held up, headway approaching 9th, hit 3 out, soon ridden and every chance, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, headway 7, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, all out
with leader, ridden when mistake and lost place 7th, soon behind
held up, headway 3rd, ridden after 9th, soon weakened
tracked leaders, hit 1st, joined leaders 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place after 5th, soon behind
not fluent, made most until ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, stayed on
Hanover Square has failed to convince in two starts over fences this term and, off what looks a high mark, is probably best watched on his return to hurdling so preference is for Major Blue who gets the vote over Star Time. The last mentioned has been the model of consistency this term but has had little assistance from the handicapper as a result and Michael Scudamore's gelding may have to settle for a minor role again. Top weight Steve The Fish failed to take to fences last term and reappears back over the smaller obstacles but he was well held off today's mark at Chepstow last Christmas and is passed over. Kitsi has shown promise in novice hurdles and is interesting on his debut in a handicap off what looks to be a fair mark. Razzamatazz was well held on his handicap debut behind Jonanaud here last time but that was under particularly testing conditions and he may do better on this faster ground. He makes more appeal than Fandango de Chassy, who has been off since May 2003 and is entitled to need the run. Major Blue also has an absence (of 11 months) to overcome but John O'Shea's gelding has gone well fresh in the past and is taken to make a winning return off a favourable mark.
