tracked leaders, blundered 7th, headway 3 out, led 2 out, pushed out
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened before next
tracked leader, ridden to lead briefly approaching 3 out, one pace next
held up in touch, headway to lead 3 out, mistake and headed next, one pace under pressure
towards rear, blundered 5th, weakened halfway, soon lost touch
Gingerbread House has lots of scope and may just surprise the more fancied Bourbon Manhattan and Mount Karinga. There is no doubting that the latter pair have taken on good company this season and they set the standard, but the season may be taking its toll and Gingerbread House lines up a fresh, unexposed horse. The Richard Philips inmate is well bred, being by Old Vic out of a Deep Run mare, and duly made a winning debut over hurdles at Wetherby recently. He is going chasing next season but connections reckon that he is good enough to defy a penalty, and he should make a bold bid to do so here. Bourbon Manhattan is a classy sort but his creditable eighth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle may have left its mark, and Mount Karinga, who would not want any rain is also beginning to feel the effects of the season. Jack Martin should go well without being good enough, and so Gingerbread House may be the value bet.
