chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression from next
led, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
prominent, pushed along and lost place from after 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, soon headed, kept on, no chance with winner
held up towards rear, jumped right 3rd, fell next
towards rear, pushed along from 5th, soon reminders and struggling, tailed off 4 out, pulled up soon after
towards rear, hit 6th, headway approaching 3 out, no impression
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, led 3 out, clear next, easily
Nothing leaps off the page so a chance is taken on NAFAATH improving past Devil Water, Saveiro and Caerlaverock. Howard Johnson's gelding was far from disgraced when fifth to Blue Nymph at Doncaster on his hurdling debut. That form has given out mixed messages but it was a good start, especially given the way the race panned out. A classy animal on the flat in Ireland (rated 100+), he looks sure to appreciate the longer trip today and may be a tough cookie to crack. Solway Sam won a bumper here in 2008; he has obviously had his problems but he was a winner at Aintree as well last October and is afforded respect on this belated hurdling debut. Saveiro has become disappointing; his first run behind Sonowyouno was positive but since then he has flattered to deceive and is taken on today accordingly. Devil Water has run well since going hurdling and this former hunter chaser is considered, despite the form of his third at Musselburgh not looking the strongest form ever. Of more interest then may be Caerlaverock who was rated 80 on the level and his first try over hurdles at Catterick was filled with promise. An open start to the card, however Nafaath is fancied to come home in front.
Caerlaverock (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, pushed along approaching 6th, soon in touch, stayed on from last, no impression, 5th of 16, 10l behind Good Old Thyme (11-2) at Catterick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Devil Water 8-1 (10-11) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, weakened and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Last Of The Bunch (10-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) gd in Feb.
Garnahalowey Lad (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Behind, tailed off when pulled before 2 out, in a race won by Hassadin (10-7) at Catterick 2m 3f sell (5) gs in Feb, 15 ran.
Saveiro (FR) 11-2 (11-4) Tracked winner throughout, hit 7th, effort 3 out, 4 lengths down when jumped left next, soon ridden and one pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Benny Be Good (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Solway Sam 33-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway on outside 6f out, led over 2f out, soon hard pressed, ridden and kept on well final furlong, won at Aintree 2m 1f NH flat (4) gd in Oct beating Midnight Tuesday (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 17 ran.
If Ever (IRE) 100-1 (10-4) Led, ridden 2f out, headed entering final furlong, one pace, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Definite All Star (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m mdn NH flat (5) gs in Nov.
Moraira Magic (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened 7th, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Karingreason (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Moscow Mischief 18-1 (10-13) Took keen hold in rear, took wrong course after 6th and pulled up, in a race won by Diavoleria (10-13) at Newcastle 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb, 15 ran.
Proficiency 80-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, lost place when not fluent 4th, stayed on approaching last, no impression, 6th of 16, 23l behind Tail Of The Bank (10-13) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Catch A Cloud 80-1 (10-7) Held up in mid-division, weakened from 4 out, 6th of 16, 34l behind Raquel White (10-5) at Ludlow 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Nafaath (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, ridden and one pace from 2 out, 5th of 16, 8l behind Blue Nymph (10-5) at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Ravensbill (IRE) 250-1 (10-7) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Hazeldene (11-0) at Perth 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr, 11 ran.
Lochore (IRE) 100-1 (10-4) Always behind, tailed off, 12th of 13, well behind Miss Abbey (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) gd in Jan.
