jumped badly in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
close up, blundered and weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, held up in touch, headway to track leader 5th, led before 9th, 2 lengths clear last, drew clear run in, eased towards finish
held up in touch, chased leaders under pressure after 3 out, 3rd and beaten when blundered 2 out, no impression
chased leaders until weakened before 3 out
settled in rear, steady headway from 9th, chased winner soon after 3 out, upside next, no impression last, weakened run in
held up, mistake 3rd, mistake and struggling 7th, tailed off
held up, headway and close up when mistake 8th, chased leaders next, outpaced after 3 out, kept on to press for 3rd run-in
chased leader to 5th, weakened quickly after 8, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders until mistake and weakened 9th, 5th and well beaten when mistake 2 out
made most, mistake 8th and headed next, weakened tamely before 3 out
always rear, struggling and tailed off 8th
Charlie Egerton has his string in good form at present and Darkness is taken to open his account over hurdles at the main expense of Lord Heccles and Montesino. The selection, a bumper winner at Plumpton last month, subsequently found just Forager too good in a maiden hurdle at Windsor and a reproduction of that form should suffice in this company. With Martin Pipe's stable still struggling, recent course and distance third Hever Road is probably best left out of calculations and a bigger threat may come from Lord Heccles. Gary Moore's gelding has shown improved form since being switched to hurdles, latterly over course and distance and is entitled to be thereabouts. Paul Webber's Salt Cellar has shown signs of ability and is another to consider along with recent Folkestone winner Montesino. The vote though goes to Darkness, who is taken to give Charlie Egerton another winner.
