led to 4 out, close 3rd when pulled up quickly after 3 out lame
held up in 4th, blundered 4th, weakened 7th, mistake next, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 4 out, ridden and drew clear approaching 2 out
held up last but in touch, outpaced from 7th, ridden and headway when left 3rd after 3 out, chased winner after 2 out, no impression when mistake last
chased leader to 4th, ridden from 6th, chased winner from after 3 out, mistake and weakened next
Volano has had his training troubles but his authorative success at Huntingdon caught the eye and a 9lb rise shouldn't stop him at Stratford. Nicky Henderson has always held the horse in high regard and while the market ignored him on that day - it is unlikely to make the same mistake twice. Western Ridge finished second to the progressive Rigmarole at Newton Abbot. He is a course and distance winner at Stratford and will be played late with his bid. Just In Time has yet to show any form over chase fences or hurdles this season and is watched on this occasion. Mary Reveley's Maceo looks none-too-trustworthy these days and has serious questions to answer about the trip. Martin Pipe saddles another French import in Mondial Jack. The market should offer a clue or too but his other recent French imports have proved very disappointing this week. Javelin is difficult to fancy. We will stick with Fitzgerald and Henderson to land first prize in the feature hurdle with Volano.
