led until 4 out, not fluent next, weakened 2 out
chased leaders, last before 4th, ridden when not fluent 9th, weakened 4 out
keen early, soon tracking leader, led 4 out, clear last, very easily
took keen hold, tracked leader early, raced in 3rd after, challenged 4 out, ridden and no impression on winner after 2 out
Nonrunner
David Pipe's MUTUAL FRIEND has not been at his best in handicap hurdles of late and has failed to deliver in two previous starts over fences but the opposition here does not look too strong and he is hard to oppose with the main battle likely to be for minor placings with Executive's Hall just preferred to Stagecoach Pearl. Sue Smith's gelding won a handicap hurdle at Doncaster in December off a mark of 108 and the yard have their runners in good heart and he has claims on his chasing debut, given that the stable's chasers are normally well schooled. Blacktoft has won a couple of novice hurdles for Evan Williams but has disappointed in claimers in his last couple of outings. Andy Crook's Executive's Hall was pulled up on his rules debut over fences at Carlisle but had run well in points previously and he could be of interest for the forecast behind the likely winner, Mutual Friend.
Blacktoft (USA) 11-1 (11-10) Mostly chased winner throughout, hit 2nd and 5th, every chance when mistake last, edged left and not quicken flat, 2nd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Marodima (12-0) at Ludlow 2m clm hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Executive's Hall (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Chased leader, outpaced 11th, weakened 4 out, soon behind and pulled up, in a race won by Mr Woods (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chase (4) gs in Mar, 9 ran.
Mutual Friend (USA) 33-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway 5th, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, 8th of 23, 20l behind Eradicate (10-1) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl G3 (1) gd.
Stagecoach Pearl 11-4fav (11-7) Keen early, soon close up, one pace in 4th and ridden when stumbled bend after 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 9, 9l behind Breaking Storm (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Apr.
Mezuzah 20-1 (11-2) Led, headed approaching 2 out, weakened, 4th of 6, 12l behind Dobravany (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Apr.