tracked leaders, every chance when mistake 3 out, weakened before next
towards rear, mistake 1st, tried to refuse 3rd, soon pulled up
in touch, ridden and weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
led, headed 3 out, ridden and outpaced before next
towards rear, lost touch halfway, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last, all out towards finish
reluctant to race, towards rear, weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
mid-division, headway approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge approaching last, rallied towards finish, just held
towards rear, never dangerous
tracked leaders, led 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, one pace run-in
Stage By Stage, Approaching Land and Volcano Snow are three against the field in this maiden hurdle and the confident vote goes to Stage By Stage. The selection was a fair performer on the flat and although he was disappointing on his hurdling debut when fourth behind Miss Holly he is sure to have learnt from the experience and with Tony McCoy again taking the ride he will be hard to beat. Approaching Land rates the main danger he has won between the flags and was a fair third on his hurdling debut behind Giuliani before disappointing last time out. This faster surface will suit and he has definite place claims. Volcano Snow is another that would have a chance on her best form but she has not progressed as expected and can not be backed with any confidence. Of the remainder Mister Moussac has shown glimmers of ability but he will need to better his best to score and for the winner we return to Stage By Stage.
