led until 4th, disputed lead until led again 3 out, drew clear next, very easily
with leader until led 4th, headed 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, slow 5th, pushed along next, under pressure when fell 3 out
Two of ARAB LEAGUE's three wins have come at this track and he should find this small field easy to dominate, which wasn't the case at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month. He can give the weight to Oscar Sierra, who may not have handled soft ground at Hereford last time, and Balding Banker. Paul Nicholls' charge would have excellent claims on his second to Molotof at Wincanton in November but ran a shocker over a similar distance at Fakenham on his latest start. Dads Birthday has much to prove on his hurdles bow.
Arab League (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, hit 6th, joined after 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra when mistake at hurdle, 10th of 24, 11l behind Attaglance (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Conditional Handicap Hurdle (0-145) (4yo+) (2) gd.
Oscar Sierra (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, tailed off 3 out, 9th of 10, well behind Triptico (11-10) at Hereford 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Dads Birthday 100-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden 5f out, weakened 2f out, 13th of 18, 43l behind Kings Lad (11-4) at Wincanton 2m mdn NH flat (6) gs.
Balding Banker (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) In touch, headway to chase leader after 7th, ridden 4 out, weakened after next, 6th of 12, well behind Open Hearted (11-7) at Fakenham 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) gs in Feb.
