mid-divison, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
chased leaders, weakened 4 out
held up in touch, effort approaching 2 out, one pace last
behind, struggling when pulled up after 3 out
in touch, outpaced after 4 out
led to 4th, remained prominent, ridden 2 out, stayed on to lead flat, kept on
not fluent in mid-division, ridden 3 out, outpaced next
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, stayed on same pace
prominent, ridden and outpaced after 2 out, kept on towards finish
close up, led 4th to flat, no extra towards finish
not fluent in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
held up, smooth headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten
Jass has the form in the book to win this so if fit enough he is taken to oblige at the main expense of Cash Man and Nodform William. The selection has won at Kelso previously in a bumper so we know that the track suits and effective on any ground, Keith Reveley's charge is taken to make a winning start to this season. He let down favourite backers last time but having been given a break since, he is the nomination. Apache Brace is one of several making their hurdling debuts and needs a check in the betting with the capable Phil Kinsella aboard, whilst Watch My Back returns from a lengthy absence but was impressive on his sole bumper start and if fit enough then must be involved in the shakeup. Nodform William is yet another who takes to hurdles for the first time, along with Lambrini Leader who should be fit from a recent outing at Market Rasen. Cash Man has some experience over hurdles but has looked tripless and ultimately yet to win in ten starts all told, he can be passed over. The powerful stable of Howard Johnson provide Panthera Leo, a promising sort who contested the valuable Punchestown bumper when last seen. He needs respect, however Jass has more experience and thus gets the vote.
Apache Brave (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, led 2f out, hung right inside final furlong, all out, won at Bangor 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gd in Mar beating Oneforsaturday (11-5) by a hd, 15 ran.
Billsgrey (IRE) 200-1 (11-2) Mid-division when fell at the 2nd in race won by John Forbes (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 14 ran.
Cash Man (IRE) 3-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, outpaced after 3 out, soon beaten, 6th of 14, 28l behind John Forbes (11-6) at Catterick 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
I'm On Fire (IRE) 200-1 (10-11) Always behind, 10th of 12, 30l behind Tot O'Whiskey (11-0) at Hexham 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd.
Itzacliche (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division, lost place 4th, soon behind, tailed off 3 out, 9th of 15, well behind Quicuyo (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd.
Jass 13-8fav (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, kept on from next, never nearer, 5th of 12, 10l behind Habanero (10-11) at Wetherby 2m cnd nov hdl (4) gf in May.
Lambrini Leader (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Held up, in rear, headway halfway, ridden and outpaced 3f out, 6th of 12, 13l behind Simonside (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Sept.
Nodform William 33-1 (11-6) Chased leader until over 6f out, weakened 5f out, tailed off, 11th of 14, well behind Theatrical Moment (11-5) at Aintree 2m nhf (2) gd in May.
Panthera Leo (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, 8th halfway, progress 4f out, 4th when ran off bend entering straight, soon no extra and eased, 10th of 22, 23l behind Gonebeyondrecall (11-0) at Punchestown 2m nhf gd in Apr.
Remainder 100-1 (10-8) Raced keenly, held up, mistake 1st, headway and in touch when fell 3 out in race won by Levitski (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Sept, 13 ran.
Silverdales 50-1 (11-4) Towards rear, struggling from halfway, 12th of 13, well behind Steady Tiger (11-4) at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Stoneferry 100-1 (10-10) Always behind, 8th of 16, 17l behind Airedale Lad (10-10) at Hexham 2m sll hdl (5) gf.
Turbo Shandy 100-1 (10-9) Towards rear, headway under pressure after 3 out, effort next, kept on one pace, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Pearson Glen (11-2) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Watch My Back 4-6fav (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 4f out, led over 1f out, drew clear towards finish, won at Kelso 2m 2f nhf (6) gf in May '06 beating Mrdeegeethegeegee (10-10) by 6l, 7 ran.
Kings Maiden (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 8th of 11, 29l behind Razor Royale (10-9) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gd in Sept.
Lady Chatelaine (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, weakened from halfway, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Battlecry (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gf in Sept, 8 ran.
