led to after 2nd, left in lead 6th, headed 3 out, ridden, one pace after
prominent, mistake, lost touch 5th, kept on one pace from 2 out
mid-division, good headway after 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up in touch, mistake 2nd, weakened 6th, behind
held up last, headway 6th, challenged on bit 3 out, ridden 2 out, switched right approaching last, soon every chance, wandered under pressure flat, not pace of winner
in touch, headway 5th, hampered 6th, ridden, led 3 out, hard ridden 2 out, hit last, all out flat
held up towards rear, weakened 6th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, weakened quickly, pulled up after 5th
prominent, stumbled bend after 3rd, weakened 6th
chased leader, led after 2nd, fell 6th
Nonrunner
A trappy handicap hurdle can go the way of Captain Marlon, with Beauchamp Star and Harcourt looking to be the main dangers. The selection put in a game effort just five days ago at Wincanton on similar ground when a runner-up to Cherry D'Or, and whilst his best efforts have seemingly come over shorter trips, he looked as if this slightly longer trip would suit. The stable's horses are running up to form at the moment and this looks an easier opportunity for him to get his head in front. Harcourt won at rewarding odds on his penultimate start so must be feared, especially as he has been given a break to get over his subsequent flop. That may have been down to the ground, but with similar ground today he looks a no-bet. Kick And Prance brings some useful novice hurdle form into the equation, and with the able Daryl Jacob aboard he can make the frame. Beauchamp Star is fairly consistent although he has looked more at home on better ground and only appears fairly moderate anyway, whilst Just Beware is a maiden after 31 starts so cannot be fancied. A weak race then can go the way of Captain Marlon and he gets our tentative vote.
