with leader, led approaching 3rd, drew clear on bit 7th, not fluent 2 out, very easily
held up behind, never on terms
chased leaders, chased winner 4th, ridden before 7th, stayed on, no chance with winner
held up towards rear, ridden after 6th, soon weakened
held up mid-division, ridden 6th, weakened approaching 7th, pulled up before 2 out
held up mid-division, ridden 3rd, weakened 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, mistake 2nd, ridden 7th, behind when unseated rider last
held up towards rear, weakened 6th, no impression
led to approaching 3rd, ridden and one pace from 7th
prominent, not fluent and weakened 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
always behind, lost touch 5th, tailed off when pulled up and dismounted soon after 3 out
prominent, ridden 6th, weakened 7th
mid-division, not fluent 2nd and 3rd, ridden before 7th, one pace
prominent, ridden 7th, weakened before 3 out
mid-division, ridden after 6th, no impression
Despite a relatively large turnout, this looks a weak novices' hurdle and although Therealbandit is likely to start a short-priced favourite, Martin Pipe's runner should not be opposed. A convincing winner of a course and distance handicap in April, Therealbandit was an odds-on winner from a mark of 109 at Stratford last time, and although not entirely convincing that day, he should still have too many guns for these moderate rivals. Martin Pipe actually saddles four horses in this race, but the other three make little appeal and with McCoy on board this is clearly the main fancy. Of the remainder, Nelly Moser had shown a bit of promise in bumpers, and although her remote third in a mares only event at Hereford last time does not amount to a great deal, she would still have place prospects here. It is hard to get excited about anything else, so point-to-point winner Ile De Re could easily be good enough to reach the frame on her debut under rules.
