not fluent, took keen hold, tracked leaders until 5th, soon weakened, tailed off
took keen hold, held up, mistakes 2nd and 4th, struggling from next, left very poor 3rd last
made all, clear 2nd until 4th, drew clear again after 6th, unchallenged
held up and behind, headway after 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, poor 3rd when fell last
took keen hold, mid-division, not fluent 4th, headway after 5th, went 2nd 3 out, no chance with winner
chased leaders, went 2nd 6th until hit 3 out, soon weakened, poor 4th when fell last
chased winner, hit 3rd, blundered 4th, lost 2nd 6th, soon weakened, tailed off when blundered badly 2 out
Is It Me is selected to make a winning debut over hurdles at the expense of Ayala Cove, Tora Petcha, Genau and Mad Professor. It is hardly likely that any of these will be lining up in the Triumph Hurdle come next March, but given the shrewdness of the assembled trainers here, most will pay their way over timber. Is It Me lost his maiden tag on the Flat at the 13th time of asking when landing a class 5 handicap over 12 furlongs just four days ago, and is not being allowed to rest on his laurels. Paul Blockley is sure to have schooled him well, and he can quickly adapt to his new career. Ayala Cove has shown little in just six starts on the Flat, but his trainer definitely knows the time of day, and any support in the ring should be noted. Evan Williams is quickly rising up the ranks and he is the man to get the best of the ex-Linda Stubbs inmate Genau, while Tora Petcha was successful in a York juvenile maiden last year so obviously has some ability. Mad Professor was gradually stepped up in trip on the level, but is best watched here, with preference for Is It Me.
Genau (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Always behind, last of 9, 39l behind Juniper Girl (8-9) at Pontefract 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Apr (Flat).
Indian Wizard (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Held up behind leaders, effort over 2f out, soon beaten, 12th of 14, 12l behind Inaminute (8-9) at Southwell 7f 3yo sll (6) fbs in Jan (Flat).
Is It Me (USA) 9-2 (9-7) Made virtually all, ridden over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, held on towards finish, won at Catterick 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) frm beating Osolomio (8-9) by a nk, 9 ran (Flat).
Mad Professor (IRE) 10-1 (8-8) Behind, hung badly left 2f out, soon lost action and virtually pulled up over 1f out, 9th of 13, 15l behind Primed Up (9-3) at Brighton 1m 2f sll (6) gf in May (Flat).
Tora Petcha (IRE) 7-2 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 8l behind Participation (9-2) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo clm (5) gd (Flat).
Ayala Cove (USA) 50-1 (8-0) Reared start, never on terms, 8th of 13, 13l behind Moonlight Fantasy (8-12) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo sll (6) gf (Flat).
Bu Ali (USA) 50-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, went 2nd briefly when hit 4 out, soon ridden, weakened 3 out, 6th of 14, 40l behind Hi Dancer (10-12) at Stratford 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gf.
