chased leaders, ridden 3 out, every chance approaching last, kept on same pace
chased leader, driven along 7th, led 4 out, soon ridden, headed last, kept on same pace
towards rear, pushed along after 5th and reminders, pulled up before 7th
led, hit 2nd, headed 4 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before next
held up in touch, ridden 4 out, one pace from 3 out
chased leaders, ridden 4 out, led last, kept on under pressure
Kupka seemed not to stay three miles at Newcastle last time and may be worth another chance dropping back in trip in a race where Snoopy Loopy and Tynedale rate the main dangers. The selection had looked a useful recruit to the novice hurdling ranks when making a winning debut at Carlisle in October and was sent off the 6/5 favourite to follow up at Gosforth Park. However, the combination of the step up in trip and a three-month absence may have been his downfall and Len Lungo's gelding looks worth another chance. Snoopy Loopy confirmed the promise of his bumper success when making a winning debut over hurdles at Hexham. A subsequent defeat at Haydock suggests that the son of Old Vic may be found wanting today under his penalty. Tynedale also has a penalty to carry for his win in a novice event at Newcastle but has twice had to settle for a minor role since then and he may have to do so again. Winning bumper horse Trisons Star showed his best form since being switched to hurdles at Kelso last time and has to be respected along with Ferdy Murphy's Leading Man but Kupka holds an obvious chance and gets the vote.
