took keen hold, led and jumped right, hanging right from 3rd, headed 5th, no chance with winner after 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 4th, led next, drew clear from 2 out, very easily
tracked leader until after 4th, weakened next, tailed off
held up in last, went 3rd 5th, never on terms, tried to press for moderate 2nd flat
SARA'S SMILE could be sharpened up by first-time blinkers and, in receipt of 7lb from Stonethrower, is probably the one to beat in this opener if able the form she showed at Worcester and Southwell earlier in the summer. Stonethrower has been off the course since disappointing at Ffos Las in June but still makes more appeal than Dont Tell Sailor and Hole In One, who have shown little aptitude for hurdling so far.
Stonethrower (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Led, sometimes jumped right, ridden and headed after 7th, 3rd and beaten 2 out, weakening when blundered last, 3rd of 6, 25l behind Conellie (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Sara's Smile 4-1 (11-10) Held up in last, ridden 7th, headway to go 3rd 3 out, hung left and one pace fom 2 out, 3rd of 6, 8l behind Reg's Ruby (10-7) at Stratford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gf.
Dont Tell Sailor (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, ridden 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Sharadiyn (11-5) at Southwell 2m nov hdl (4) gd.
Hole In One (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, ridden and weakened after 3 out, pulled up approaching 2 out, in a race won by Manger Hanagment (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Jun, 11 ran.
