held up, effort 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leader, led 2 out, ridden out
held up, pushed along from 5th, 4th and 4 lengths down when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
keen, chased leaders, ridden and every chance, when mistake last, not quicken flat
Liberman has been freshened up by a spell in Ireland and is taken to make a winning return for Martin Pipe with Flying Spirit and Flame Phoenix rated the main dangers. The selection looked a high class recruit to the novice hurdling ranks last term having won the Festival Bumper in 2003 but never convinced with his hurdling and was sent to Ireland where a spell with Thomas Mullins seems to have rejuvenated his career. A recent success in a Listed hurdle, that was preceded by a win on the level, suggests that his previous problems have been ironed out and, off what looks a favourable mark, he should be too good for his rivals. Top Weight Flying Spirit comes here fit, and in form, from the flat and has to be respected but may struggle to give weight away all round. Peter Niven's Friedhelmo has more to do off a 5lb higher mark than when scoring at Southwell last month and of more interest is Ginger McCain's novice Flame Phoenix, who looks to have been allotted a fair mark for his debut in this grade. Richard Guest's Wet Lips and Chris Grant's German-bred gelding Sachsenwalzer looks exposed in comparison to Liberman who is taken to make a winning return to Britain.
