in touch, headway approaching 6th, ridden and weakened after 3 out
prominent, led 3rd, headed 3 out, weakened before next
in touch, hampered and lost place 5th, ridden and headway 10th, 6th when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
prominent, mistake 6th, not fluent 10th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, mistake 9th, headway approaching 3 out, shaken up approaching last, stayed on
led until after 1st, always prominent, not fluent 10th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, edged left last, stayed on
led after 1st, headed 3rd, always prominent, led 3 out, headed next, no extra flat
held up towards rear, not fluent 4th, ridden and behind from 10th, mistake 3 out, tailed off
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
prominent until fell 5th
held up, hampered 5th, headway next, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
Mister Banjo has a long absence to overcome, but if fit enough can account for the likes of Jaboune, Palua, My Lady Link and Atlantic Crossing. Mister Banjo was a high-class stayer over hurdles, his best effort coming in January 2001 when second to Lady Rebecca in the Grade 1 Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham. Subsequently pulled up in the Martell Aintree hurdle behind Barton, Paul Nicholls' charge has not been seen since due to a niggling minor injury, but has been put through his prep work successfully by Lisa Hales, the owner's daughter, and having schooled very well over fences, is ready for an assault at some major prizes if coming through this test today. The trip is a bit on the short side, but he should have the class to overcome that minor negative. Jaboune has topweight to overcome, but has already won twice over the bigger obstacles, and steps up in trip after being found wanting behind Thisthatandtother at Sandown. Palua jumped well at Hereford but was found out by the three mile journey, and this once useful stayer could be a big threat dropped back to a more suitable distance. My Lady Link has a bit to find but the stable are in good form, and Atlantic Crossing needed his return at Haydock. An informative contest will tell us whether Mister Banjo is going to be one to follow this term, and we will stick with him to bounce back straight away.
