held up rear, but in touch, headway approaching 3 out, led 3rd approaching last, one pace flat
held up in touch, led 4 out until approaching last, pulled up quickly, broke down, dismounted
held up, headway 7th, ridden appraoching 3 out, every chance 2 out, held approaching last
led until headed after 7th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leader, weakened rapidly after 7th, tailed off before pulled up after last
held up in touch, headway 8th, challenging in 2nd when jumped left and hit 2 out, led approaching last, ran on well
prominent, mistake 4th, in touch, weakened approaching 4 out
A wide open handicap hurdle brings the card to a close and the main protagonists look to be Desmond Tutu, Champagne Lil and Meldrum Star, and we will side with the first mentioned. The six-year-old from the Paul Nicholls yard rounding off last season in good style when defeating Highcroft Boy, and although his best form to date has been over further, he is taken to score on his seasonal debut. Champagne Lil is the main danger but gave the impression the handicapper just had her measure when run out of it close home by End of an Error at Perth last time. Meldrum Star is from a yard in top form but although he travels well in his races he finds very little off the bridle. With doubts surrounding many of the field, we are happy to side with the solid claims of Desmond Tutu despite his long absence from the track.
