tracked leaders, led narrowly 4 out to 3 out, soon weakened under pressure, mistake last
raced keenly, led to 4 out, weakened quickly before 2 out
mostly chased leader, every chance 3 out, chased winner 2 out, no chance
held up in touch, hit 5th, one pace under pressure when mistake 2 out
chased leaders until outpaced after 3 out
held up in rear, lost touch 4 out, tailed off
held up in rear, lost touch 4 out, tailed off
jumped poorly in touch, behind from 4 out
took keen hold and held up, steady headway from 4 out, led well before 2 out, driven clear run-in, eased near finish
in touch until lost place 5th, lost touch 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Penny Pictures remains unexposed over hurdles and is fancied to make a winning return at the main expense of stablemate Fortune Island and River Pirate. The last mentioned should come into his own over fences in the future but is being kept to the smaller obstacles for the time being. However, Nicky Henderson's gelding has yet to sparkle in two starts this term and may be best watched. Fortune Island has only won once over hurdles but goes well when fresh and is well treated if he can return to his best form. Shirazi is less exposed than most of these and has to be respected off his current mark, provided that he is fit enough for his first outing since August. Similar comments apply to the Philip Hobbs-trained In The Frame, while Full House, from Paul Webber's yard, is another lightly raced gelding who could be open to plenty of improvement. Moon Emperor has not run over hurdles for 1137 days but comes here fit from the all-weather. He has to be respected along with My Sharp Grey and Exodus but it is Penny Pictures that gets the nod on his return to hurdling.
