in touch, blundered 3rd, ridden approaching 3 out, went 2nd after last, one pace
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, kept on one pace
led, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened soon after, hit last
mid-division, never nearer
held up mid-division, weakened after 4 out
mid-division, no impression from 3 out
always behind, pulled up before 2 out
held up in rear, never dangerous
held up and pulled hard, rapid headway to join leader 2nd, weakened after 4 out, pulled up before next
in rear, steady headway after 4 out, no impression next
held up, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace and no impression after
There are a few imponderables that will only be set right by the betting market. Therefore, we have opted to take the form already registered in the book by Nation State to be the most reliable guide and he is the first to look at before assessing how much confidence there is for the formerly useful flat performer Admiral, whose trainer is as shrewd as they come when it comes to placement of his horses. Pay Attention and Karelian are others bubbling under on the shortlist, while Reem Two ran a very respectable race last time and is no forlorn hope of making the frame in this company. She is definitely one to consider for each-way thieves at fancy odds. Karelian was surprisingly sent off as the favourite on his hurdles debut and showed up well despite not jumping fluently in the early stages. He has obviously shown plenty at home and is worth keeping an eye on whatever happens in the betting ring. Pay Attention was only moderate on the Flat but has adapted well to this game. She has seized the opportunities that have been presented to her and she should again run her race. However, she also appears to face a stiffer test against some unexposed rivals and may find at least a couple have her measure on these terms. Admiral could easily be one of those to throw down a stern challenge, as he is in the right hands to be found a race sooner rather than later. A winner at last season's Royal meeting at Ascot, this son of Alhaarth has plenty of scope for his new career and any significant hints from the betting will obviously be prudent to take on board. However, as Nation State was of similar ability on the level, his experience over timber just gives him the edge today. Especially if the market overreacts to an ex-inmate of Sir Michael Stoute's taking his chance over hurdles for the first time in public.
