held up in touch and keen, went 2nd before 5 out, mistake 4 out, ridden after 2 out, one pace before last
always towards rear, hampered 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, went 3rd before last, kept on same pace
towards rear, ridden 2 out, soon weakened
led, headed before 2nd, pushed along and losing touch when fell 3 out
mid-division, headway before 4 out, led after 2 out, kept on well
held up towards rear, weakened after 3 out
with leader and keen, led before 2nd, ridden and headed after 2 out, kept on and always held
held up behind, effort before 2 out, never dangerous
RATHER BE was fifth in the Champion Bumper in March and it will be a surprise if he doesn't develop into a useful novice hurdler given connections. He may be too strong for fellow bumper winner The Blue Bomber and Beau Du Brizais, though the latter caught the eye at Uttoxeter in April and has plenty of scope. Grand Coureur and winning pointers Bach De Clermont and Daklondike may be suited by further but are worth monitoring for future reference.
Beau Du Brizais (FR) 9-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, chased leaders next, kept on same pace from 2 out, never on terms, 5th of 13, 14 1/4l behind Matchaway (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) gs in Apr.
Camron De Chaillac (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Towards rear, never on terms, 6th of 14, 22 3/4l behind Alfredo (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f (6) gs in Apr.
Daklondike (IRE) 5-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 9, 20 1/4l behind Thomas Campbell (10-12) at Kelso 2m (5) gd in May.
Dothraki Raider 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, reminders after 4th, carried head high and struggling 3 out, no chance when blundered last, 9th of 12, dist behind Peter The Mayo Man (11-5) at Warwick 2m (4) gd in Sep.
Grand Coureur (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 10 1/2l behind Coup De Pinceau (10-12) at Ludlow 2m (4) gs in Apr.
Rather Be (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway into mid-division over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace when carried left inside final furlong, never reached leaders, 9th of 23, 5 1/2l behind Ballyandy (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gd in Mar.
Silent Man (IRE) 3-1 (12-1) Pr, drpd to 6th at 5th, 6th 1/2way, rdn to go 4th 3out, ko onepce in 3rd from 2out, 3rd of 10, 4 1/4l behind Redbridge Rudi (12-1) at Ballinaboola 3m mdn hvy in Jan.
The Blue Bomber 3-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, in touch on inside, switched outside and headway 3f out, hung left over 2f out, went 2nd 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner final furlong, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Stamp Your Feet (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f (6) gd in Apr.
Yewlands (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, pushed along 6f out, no impression, 7th of 11, 10 1/2l behind Clondaw Cracker (11-2) at Warwick 2m (6) gd in Apr.
Bach De Clermont (FR) 11-8 (11-10) Mid div, 5th 5out, impr to 10l 2nd 3out, ld with ease after 2out, clr last, sow, impressive, won at Loughanmore 3m mdn gs in Oct beating Tyrrell's Succes (11-10) by 6l, 11 ran.
Chap 4-1 (10-12) In rear, ridden after 4 out, no headway, weakened before next, 6th of 7, 32 3/4l behind Canton Prince (11-5) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep.
Yorgonnahearmeroar (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, one pace and no impression, 7th of 13, 16l behind Rockportian (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (5) gd in May.
