made all, unchallenged, hit 3rd, jumped left last
chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, ridden to chase leaders approaching 3 out, stayed on to take 3rd towards finish
chased winner, ridden approaching 2 out, always held
held up in touch, chased leaders approaching 3 out, weakened last
held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, weakened after 4 out
held up, reminders after 4th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
Despite having to concede at least 6lb to all of his rivals, QUWETWO can complete his hat-trick with Alan's Legacy taken to chase him home in second. Howard Johnson's inmate, a fairly recent recruit from the Sue Smith yard, was impressive when winning on his hurdling bow at Doncaster. Accordingly he has a penalty to carry today but he is a strapping individual who should relish carrying the weight and he will put these to the sword. His main rival could be Alan's Legacy who was a faller last time out at Doncaster on his hurdling bow. He started favourite for the Newcastle bumper that Quwetwo won back in November but looks to have been slow to come to hand. He may still need more time, but if he jumps round then he should get some place money. Maxwellton Braes wasn¿t disgraced last time at the track and could run well at a price, whilst newcomer Tommy Tobougg was rated in the high 50's on the flat and hasn't been seen for nearly a year and a half. This looks a weak Novice's hurdle, and it is easy to side with Quwetwo.
Quwetwo 9-2 (10-12) Chased leader, led after 4 out, clear approaching last, won at Doncaster 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Bajan Parkes (10-12) by 13l, 17 ran.
Alan's Legacy (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Took keen hold in mid-division until fell at the 5th in race won by Edgbriar (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 21 ran.
Classic Henri 80-1 (11-4) Towards rear, kept on final 3f, never near leaders, 7th of 16, 29l behind Bishops Heir (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Dallas Bell 50-1 (11-1) Held up, outpaced 7th, soon ridden and beaten, 8th of 11, 20l behind Lie Forrit (11-1) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Maxwellton Braes 100-1 (11-4) Led to 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 9, 32l behind Comhla Ri Coig (11-7) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Prince Tam 50-1 (10-11) Led, headed over 5f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, well behind Bygones of Brid (11-4) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
Quick Man (FR) 100-1 (11-4) Held up, always behind, 9th of 12, well behind Strokestown (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Tommy Tobougg 11-1 (8-7) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 10l behind Prince Noel (7-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Nov '07 (Flat).
Ashgrove Diamond (IRE) 200-1 (10-6) Mistakes in rear, soon struggling, 10th of 11, well behind Prince De Beauchene (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Shahramore 80-1 (10-0) Held up, weakened approaching 3 out, last of 9, well behind Comhla Ri Coig (11-7) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
