chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, led and wandered approaching 7th, headed when hampered 3 out, no impression 2 out, went 3rd flat
held up in 5th, jumped right and not fluent 1st, closed 6th, challenging when not much room on inside 3 out, not fluent 2 out, shaken up and no impression approaching last, weakened flat
led, reminders at several stages from approaching 4th, hit 5th, headed before 7th, soon in rear, outpaced approaching 3 out, went 4th after last
tracked leader, reminder after 3rd, shoved along at several stages after, lost 2nd 4th, rear 6th, soon switched to outside, rallied after 7th, led and went left just before 3 out, clear last, stayed on well
held up in touch, not fluent when close up 6th, not fluent 3 out, mistake 2 out, chased winner approaching last, no impression
Souter Point has the best form but he doesn't look one to trust in a fight so preference is for THEOLOGIST ahead of Extreme Impact. Richard Newland's gelding was well-held at Cheltenham last week, finishing in 15th spot in the Fred Winter. However he will find this company more to his liking and this consistent Galileo gelding should go well with Jamie Moore booked for the ride. Souter Point was rated in the 80's on the flat but his profile suggests that winning doesn't come easily to him. He will be popular in the betting after a good second to Tanto Faz, however he looks opposable. Extreme Impact represents a yard in very good form and is of interest in the first-time visor. His fourth to Orzare at Fontwell leaves him with a bit to find but he cannot be overlooked. Riptide finished ahead of the selection in the Fred Winter but he was progressive before Christmas and may be one to consider now, although quicker ground would suit. Lively Fling was fair on the flat but his three efforts over hurdles have been just modest as he tends to race too keenly; he's not one to rule out however. An open race, but Theologist is preferred.
Theologist (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Mistakes in rear, behind 5th, 15th of 24, 29l behind Sanctuaire (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m Juvenile Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo) (1) gd.
Souter Point (USA) 11-10fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, mistakes 6th and 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Tanto Faz (11-1) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
Extreme Impact 7-2 (11-5) Never travelled well, pressed leader until mistake 2nd, soon dropped to rear, lost touch 6th, hit 3 out, went modest 4th flat, 4th of 6, 22l behind Orzare (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Riptide 66-1 (10-11) Narrow lead on until before 3rd, hit 5th, weakened approaching 2 out, 11th of 24, 20l behind Sanctuaire (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m Juvenile Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo) (1) gd.
Lively Fling (USA) 11-2 (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway before 6th, went 3rd after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 8, 20l behind Ciceron (11-7) at Bangor 2m 1f 4yo nov hcp hdl (3) gs.
