tracked leaders, slow 3 out, effort next, weakened before last
chased leaders, driven to challenge after 3 out, led after last, ran on strongly
tracked leader, took keen hold, led 2 out, hit last, soon headed, no extra closing stages
led until 2 out, weakened before last
in touch, not fluent 4 out, outpaced after next, stayed on well approaching last, never troubled leaders
FAR WEST and Rolling Star were second and sixth respectively behind the devastating Our Conor in the 2013 JCB Triumph Hurdle on good to soft ground, eight lengths separating the pair. The latter was then made favourite for a Grade 1 Aintree contest but came home unplaced behind L'Unique and starts the new campaign with a bit to prove. In contrast, Far West has already proved his worth this term with an excellent effort in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, travelling well before being reeled in by the exciting Melodic Rendezvous on the run-in. With fitness assured, he's taken to confirm that Triumph Hurdle form. Runswick Royal was below par on reappearance but was a progressive sort last season, whilst Doyly Carte and Morning Royalty, both useful in their own right, must improve on efforts to date to trouble the leading pair.
Far West (FR) 5-2fav (11-6) Tracked leader, challenged after 3 out, led narrowly before next, ridden and hard pressed last, soon headed, kept on but held flat, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Melodic Rendezvous (11-10) at Wincanton 2m Ltd hcp hdl (1) gs.
Rolling Star (FR) 5-2fav (11-0) Prominent in 5th, went 2nd after 4 out, ridden before last, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 10l behind L'unique (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Doyly Carte 16-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, switched left before 3 out, jumped right 2 out, headway approaching last, stayed on flat, never on terms, 5th of 9, 9l behind Cockney Sparrow (10-12) at Wetherby 2m mrs lst hdl (1) gs.
Morning Royalty (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Led, ridden before last, kept on and headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Trucking Along (11-6) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft.
Runswick Royal (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway after 2 out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on well, never nearer, 6th of 10, 8l behind Willow's Saviour (10-2) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl (2) gd.
