held up in touch, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, lost touch 3 out, never dangerous
led to 2nd, tracked leader when left in lead next, headed 2 out, soon weakened
hit 1st, in touch, outpaced 3 out, ridden and headway next, led last, kept on under pressure flat
in touch when fell 4th
held up towards rear, headway 3 out, led next, headed last, ridden and no extra flat
behind until kept on from 2 out, never trouble leaders
blundered 1st, in touch, left 2nd 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
always behind, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before last
held up, headway to chase leader 2 out, soon ridden and outpaced
prominent, lost place 3 out, weakened next
always behind
Darasim is an exciting recruit to the hurdles scene, and should outclass the opposition, with Dubonai and Bywell Beau taken to chase him home. Darasim was a Group-class stayer on the Flat for Mark Johnston, and indeed among his 10 career victories was last year's Goodwood Cup. However, he has failed to produce his best form in five outings this term, admittedly in top class company, and it is hoped that the switch to hurdles will rekindle his enthusiasm. He has reportedly settled in nicely at Jackdaws Castle, and the stiff finish here should bring out his qualities, although he would be even more fancied on softer ground. Likely to be aimed at all the top long-distance hurdle races if passing today's test, he will hopefully pay to follow over the next six months. Dubonai switched to George Moore when Andy Turnell moved from Yorkshire to Wiltshire, and has already paid his way for his new yard, but is up against a different class of opponent now, while Bywell Beau is really a chaser in the making. The rest make no appeal, and even if his jumping is not up to scratch today, Darasim should still make a winning debut.
Dubonai (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) In touch, chased winner after 3 out, soon ridden, kept on from last, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Constable Burton (11-1) at Perth 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Sept.
Bodkin Boy (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Chased leaders to 5th, soon behind and pulled up in race won by Lofty Leader (11-0) at Perth 2m nh mdn hdl (D) gs in Apr, 11 ran.
Bywell Beau (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, soon outpaced, 6th of 14, well behind Ryhall (10-9) at Wetherby 2m 7f mdn hdl (F) gd in Apr.
Darasim (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Held up, outpaced over 8f out, not a danger after, last of 4, 47l behind Centaurus (8-4) at Newmarket 1m 4f stk (2) sft in Aug (Flat).
Gollyhott (IRE) 25-1 (10-8) Prominent, mistake and lost place 5th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Renvyle (11-12) at Bangor 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Mar '04, 10 ran.
Lord Baskerville 66-1 (8-11) In touch stand side, effort 3f out, weakened 2f out, 11th of 20, 26l behind Bailieborough (9-11) at Newcastle 1m clm (6) gf in Aug (Flat).
Water Taxi 15-2 (10-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 12, well behind Andre Chenier (10-9) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) sft in Mar.
Polyarnoe Bay 3-1 (11-2) 2nd of 7, hd behind Shirostran (12-0) at Whitwell On Hill 3m ptp gd in Apr.
