tracked leaders in 3rd and keen, chased winner from 3rd, ridden before 2 out, soon beaten
made all, shaken up before 2 out, clear before last, eased
in rear, went 3rd before 4 out, soon beaten
in touch in 4th, hit 4th, weakened quickly before 4 out, pulled up before next
tracked leader, weakened quickly before 4 out, in rear when fell 4 out
HOLLOW TREE, very progressive on the Flat for Andrew Balding, made an impressive winning start over hurdles at Bangor before an excellent second to Hinterland in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham and cannot be opposed here. Captain Sharpe, who won at Newton Abbot in August and has continued in good form, looks booked for second as Maratib and Kildare Kitten were both beaten a distance on their opening hurdles runs and Windsor Knights was moderate on the Flat.
Captain Sharpe 9-2 (10-12) Went right 1st, chased leaders, tracking leader when went right again 5th, narrow lead 2 out, hung left on bend entering straight, joined last, driven and headed final 150 yards kept on under pressure, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Reyamour (10-5) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) gs.
Hollow Tree 6-1 (11-2) With leader, led 2nd, headed 5th, outpaced 3 out, rallied after 2 out, soon chasing winner, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Hinterland (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 3yo hdl (1) gs.
Maratib (USA) 80-1 (10-9) Always behind, slow and ridden 3rd, tailed off, 7th of 10, well behind Reyamour (10-5) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) gs.
Windsor Knights 25-1 (9-1) In rear, some late headway entering final furlong, 7th of 13, 6l behind Honourable Knight (9-1) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (0-55) (6) pol (flat).
Kildare Kitten (USA) 14-1 (9-9) In rear, tailed off from 4 out, went remote 3rd 3 out, hit next, never a factor, 3rd of 5, well behind Blazing Buck (11-9) at Leicester 2m sll hdl (5) gd.
