tracked winner throughout, driven after 2 out, ridden and kept on same pace after last, always held
made all, driven after 2 out, ridden and edged right after last, ran on well
held up 3rd and last, jumped slowly 4 out, driven and outpaced when hit 2 out, well held after
Nonrunner
Quite a tricky little novice hurdle and all four could be given a chance with Jackblack looking best in at the weights if the ratings are to be believed. Knight Commander comes from a yard that has made a good start although a double penalty makes life tough here and a chance is taken with ZAMPERINI on his hurdling debut given his previous Flat form.
Knight Commander 15-8fav (12-11) Held up in rear, headway on outside 6th, jumped left and not fluent 3 out, went left 2 out, 3rd and looking held when mistake last, beaten flat, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Shrubland (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Jackblack 6-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, pushed along before 3 out, ridden before last, kept on run-in, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Jacobite Rising (10-13) at Worcester 2m mdn (5) gd in Aug.
Zamperini (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Held up in last pair, pushed along over 3f out, struggling when hung right final 2f, 7th of 9, 10 1/2l behind Shargiah (9-7) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Free One (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, went 3rd from 3rd, hit next, not fluent 4 out, soon outpaced by clear pair, kept on under pressure from last, never on terms, 3rd of 6, 15 1/4l behind Hestina (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) gd in Jul.
