held up in rear, headway before 3 out, tracked leading pair 2 out, challenged on bit to lead before last, driven out and always held runner-up run in
not always fluent, held up in 6th, mistake 2nd, weakened after 9th, tailed off
held up in 5th, headway to go 3rd approaching 3 out, soon driven and beaten before 2 out
always rear, mistake 1st and 3rd, tailed off when mistake 3 out and pulled up
chased clear leader to 6th, ridden 8th, weakened 3 out
held up and always behind, tailed off from after 9th
pressed leaders, chased leader 6th, every chance from 2 out, not quicken before last, kept on gamely to chase winner run in, but always just held
led and set strong pace, ridden 2 out, not quickened and headed before last, no extra run in
prominent until ridden and lost place 7th, tailed off 9th and pulled up
held up towards rear, tailed off from 9th
held up and behind, never going pace to challenge
Can Baracouda land the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle for the second year in a row? Defeat at Ascot last time left some doubting his desire this time around. However, trainer Francois Doumen reports him to be in fine form and believes he will be a different proposition with the forecast better ground at Cheltenham that he has so far encountered this season. Thierry Doumen's confident ride to land last year's race lives on in the memory and the partnership are selected to land the race for a second time. The main dangers would appear to be Limestone Lad and Classified. If Limestone Lad wins, the roof of the grandstand will be sent into orbit. He is game, is a prolific winner and the racing public have taken him to their hearts. A health scare in the build up to the race seems to have been overcome and, if so, he has to be greatly respected. Classified has won 10 of his 13 races but has never raced over three miles. Also, his form does need to be improved if he is to trouble a fully-focused Baracouda. Liss A Paoraigh's form is rock-solid although she rarely manages to overcome Limestone Lad, although she was supplemented to run in this race, the first horse ever to make use of that relatively new system. Brother Joe has bags of ability and could run well fresh, so can't be discounted, especially if his hurdling, which has often let him down in the past, holds together. Deano's Beeno has been a marvellous servant to connections and showed he remains in good heart by winning the Rendlesham Hurdle last time. However, it would be a bit of a surprise if he was to land this prize. Galileo won last year's Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle in good style but has not been seen since. Iris's Gift has been hugely progressive and impressive in novice company on easy going this year, but this will be a different kettle of fish. Native Emperor (well held by Deano's Beeno on his last run) has a bit to find on the balance of his form, even though he is likeable. A good renewal of the race with, once again, Baracouda the selection.
