held up in touch, headway to chase winner approaching 3rd, ridden and lost touch approaching 2 out, soon no chance with winner
chased leader, led approaching 3rd, quickened clear on bit approaching 2 out, shaken up approaching last, impressively
led until approaching 3rd, lost place 4th, hung left and tailed off approaching 3 out
held up last, headway 4th, lost touch 3 out, no impression
prominent, ridden and lost place 3 out, soon no impression
Low in numbers but high in quality, this renewal of the Kingwell Hurdle can go the way of Afsoun, with major rival Straw Bear the very obvious danger. Although rated 3lb inferior on BHB ratings to Straw Bear, Nicky Henderson's five-year-old has made good progress this season and would probably be three from three but for falling on his penultimate start in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. His stable is in good form and with regular jockey Mick Fitzgerald in amongst the winners recently, confidence should be at an all-time high. His ability to adapt to races (has front-run in the past) should ensure that the race is run at a fairly true gallop, and with ground to suit, he gets the nod. Straw Bear posted an improved effort a fortnight ago at Sandown when beaten by Detroit City, and assuming this race doesn't come too quick, he is the main danger. AP McCoy is racking up the air miles by scooting across from Ascot for this race and that may be seen as significant by many, and with this easy track expected to suit Straw Bear's strong-travelling way of racing, he looks sure to mount a bold bid. Contraband was a fair way behind Straw Bear last time out, and there is no reason for that to change today. Master Mahogany takes a big leap up in class and looks out of his depth, whilst Trouble At Bay is more interesting returning to hurdles. However his stable is not firing on all cylinders at present, so we will pass him over and return to Afsoun as our tentative choice to land this intriguing contest.
Afsoun (FR) 11-8fav (11-8) Soon chasing leaders, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear flat, won at Haydock 2m hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan beating The French Furze (11-8) by 9l, 8 ran.
Straw Bear (USA) 7-2 (11-8) Held up, took closer order 4th, chased winner approaching 2 out, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Detroit City (11-8) at Sandown 2m lst hdl (1) gs.
Contraband 66-1 (11-0) Prominent until 3rd, dropped to fifth approaching 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 4th of 6, 16l behind Detroit City (11-8) at Sandown 2m lst hdl (1) gs.
Master Mahogany 10-3 (11-3) Held up towards rear, ridden approaching 2 out, left 3rd last, ran on flat, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Amour Multiple (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Trouble At Bay (IRE) 7-4 (11-12) Prominent, lost place 8th, weakened 9th, last of 4, 22l behind Priors Dale (11-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs (2) gs.
