mid-division, no impression when hit 2 out
mid-division, headway 5th, led 2 out, driven out
chased leader, weakening when hit 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders until weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up in touch, weakened approaching 6th
held up in touch, led briefly approaching 2 out, 2nd and beaten when hung right close home
refused to race, took no part
held up, headway approaching 6, weakened after 3 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear
chased leaders until weakened after 6th
held up, blundered and unseated rider 4th
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden and weakened after 5th
held up, smooth headway approaching 6th, one pace from 2 out
led, jumped right 5th, hung right on the bend approaching 2 out, soon headed, one pace when hit last
held up towards rear, headway approaching 6, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, never near leaders
refused to race, took no part
Hilltime is taken to follow up his Market Rasen victory, with Figaro du Rocher, Odagh Odyssey, Hattington and Maclean all expected to play a part. With John Quinn's team in good form at present, hopes are high that Hilltime can once again lead from start to finish, with ground conditions in his favour. That victory came after a break, and he will be even fitter now following an outing on the Flat recently. Figaro du Rocher looked set for a bright future over fences when winning twice at the start of the year, but has been set some stiff tasks since. The return to the smaller obstacles may improve his confidence and he will be a popular choice. Odagh Odyssey did not jump too well when third to Ghadames here last time but does take a drop in grade here, while Hattington has shown a modicum of ability, and Maclean needed all of Fontwell's 18 furlongs to prevail on his last start. Hilltime has plenty of scope and is the one to beat.
