mid-divsion, ridden and weakened 10th
tracked leader, reminders 7th, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out
always behind
held up towards rear, headway 10th, led 3 out, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened after 3 out
in touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, one pace next
towards rear, pushed along 10th, headway and every chance 3 out, weakened next
mid-division, headway after 4 out, outpaced 3 out, rallied next, kept on under pressure
led, headed 3 out, no extra 2 out
Nevada Red is recommended ahead of Ivoire De Beaulieu in this novice hurdle. Nevada Red was a typically canny buy from the McCain stable and he certainly lost no caste in defeat behind the well regarded Best Profile at Carlisle. He is going to be difficult to place off his current BHB rating so McCain has been forced to plough the novice route. That said, the horse is sound, willing and modestly able so we are prepared to side with him here. Some may question why we have gone against a recent Cheltenham winner but it is worth noting that Ferdy Murphy has made no secret of the fact that he comes here prior to a run in a cross-country race at Pau so it is difficult to know what is expected. Major Catch is upped in trip after failures over shorter. Toni Alcala stayed distances of two miles and above on the level. It is difficult to keep trotting out the same excuses for his lack of wins so we will cease to do so. Bramble Princess is a modest recruit from the point-to-point fields and was soon left behind at Newcastle. Scotmail Too has shown glimpses of ability but will need to learn how to settle before that ability will be turned into pounds and pence. Not a great contest but one in which we will chance Nevada Red at the likely odds.
Doris's Gift 40-1 (11-0) Held up, weakened 6th, 5th of 13, well behind Youlbesolucky (11-0) at Newcastle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
I'm No Fairy 14-1 (10-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 5th of 9, well behind According To John (10-12) at Newcastle 3m nh nov hdl (E) hvy.
Ivoire De Beaulieu (FR) 16-1 (10-0) Held up rear, smooth headway 6 out, tracked leader 3 out, ridden to lead last, ran on well, won at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs 0-150 (B) gs beating Shady Lad (9-11) by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Major Catch (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, plugged on to chase winner, no chance, 4th of 14, 17l behind Vingis Park (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) hvy.
Nevada Red 9-1 (10-9) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on from last, no impression, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Numero Un de Solzen (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (E) sft in Nov.
Scotmail Too (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Keen early, chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, beaten when hit next, 5th of 14, 13l behind.
Toni Alcala 25-1 (11-3) Always behind, 8th of 10, 45l behind General Duroc (11-9) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) hvy.
Bramble Princess (IRE) 6-1 (10-2) Close up, ridden 4 out, weakened next, 4th of 9, well behind According To John (10-12) at Newcastle 3m nh nov hdl (E) hvy.
