with leaders, led approaching 3rd, not fluent 5th, edged right after last, kept on for pressure flat
whipped round start, led after 2nd, headed before next, weakened after 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
never better than mid-division
held up in touch, close order 4th, challeged 3 out, switched left after last, beaten and eased final 75yds
held up towards rear, never near leaders
took keen hold, held up and behind, no chance with leaders when jumped left last
chased leaders until approaching 5th, no impression after
led until after 2nd, remained prominent, every chance approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression from 2 out
not fluent always behind
Kanpai gets the confident vote in this novices' hurdle with Panthers Run and Jacaranda put forward as the most likely dangers. The selection won impressively over course and distance last time when beating Bentinck. He has his ground conditions again today and he should take plenty of beating. Panthers Run unseated his rider at Towcester last time but he hails from a top yard and has to be respected. He does have plenty to prove though at present and for that reason we will take him on. Jacaranda was a fair sort on the flat so he is one to note in the market on his debut over hurdles. Carnt Spell has yet to win a race and although he should prove best of the remainder, he is another who has only shown very moderate form. With all this in mind we return to Kanpai as our idea of the winner.
Kanpai (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Led to after 2nd, led again 4th to 5th, soon led again, ridden 3 out, edged right flat, driven out, won at Worcester 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gf beating Bentinck (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Carnt Spell 25-1 (11-8) Led, ridden and headed after 7th, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 10, well behind Le Forezien (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (5) gd in Mar.
Jacaranda (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Mid-division, driven and outpaced final 2f, 11th of 17, 14l behind Princelywallywogan (8-7) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct (Flat).
Nettleton Flyer 66-1 (10-12) Prominent, chased leader 2nd to 4th, weakened next, 6th of 10, well behind Hill Forts Timmy (10-12) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Panthers Run 11-4 (10-12) Held up, blundered badly 1st, blundered and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Hill Forts Timmy (10-12) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd, 10 ran.
Secret's Out 16-1 (11-12) Held up, never troubled leaders, 10th of 18, 17l behind Patronage (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
Raul Sahara 33-1 (8-9) Chased leaders 6f, 10th of 12, 13l behind Itcanbedone Again (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f banded stk (7) pol in Jan (Flat).
Tiffin Deano (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) Held up in touch, blundered 1st, jumped right 2nd, weakening when jumped right and bumped 3 out, 10th of 17, 24l behind Dishdasha (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gf in Sept.
