held up mid division, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up mid division, improved after 7th, outpaced 4 out, stayed on from last
ran green, slowly tracking leaders, improved and challenged and not fluent 3 out, led last, driven out
led until after 4th, prominent until ridden 8th, weakened after next
behind when blundered and unseated rider 3rd.
in touch until weakened after 7th, behind when fell 3 out
held up mid division, headway after 7th, led 3 out, hit 2 out, soon ridden and headed last, kept on
prominent, led 4th, ridden and headed 3 out, onepaced
always towards rear, ridden 6th but no impression
held up in touch, ridden after 7th, 3rd and held when pecked badly last.
always in rear
prominent to 4th, slow jump 5th, gradually faded from 7th
Despite a maximum turnout, this should just concern the three runners, Knocktopher Abbey, Alphabetic and the Bosham Mill, who gets the nod. Formerly a high-class, if somewhat enigmatic colt on the flat when in the care of Geoff Wragg, it is interesting that connections have delayed his hurdling debut until now, as he did hold entries at both Cheltenham and Aintree. However, he is an interesting recruit to the jumping game and he does possess the ability to go a long way at this game. Knocktopher Abbey is certainly going the right way over timber, but this recent course winner isn't guaranteed to stay this trip, so another hurdling debutante Alphabetic may provide the main threat. Nicky Henderson's six-year-old has shown enough in bumpers to be a major player at this level and with no doubts about the trip, he looks the one most likely to take advantage if Bosham Mill fails to perform. Best of the rest may be Musimaro, who will be well suited to the drying ground, having been found out by testing conditions on his last couple of outings.
