led, ridden and headed when not fluent 2 out, led last, no extra when headed final 40 yards
tracked leaders, not fluent 5 out, soon ridden, every chance 3 out, not fluent next, kept on same pace
held up in last, lost touch 12th, held off
held up in last place, headway 11th, ridden after 4 out, took narrow advantage 2 out, headed last, rallied to lead final 40 yards, headed near finish
tracked leaders, nudged along after 13th, ridden after 4 out, switched right after 2 out, stayed on well from last, led near finish
Hopes will be high for Wichita Lineman but there's no escaping the fact that he was disappointing last season so we'll side with the burgeoning talent of BIG FELLA THANKS whilst none of the remaining three runners are forlorn hopes. Paul Nicholls' charge didn't achieve anything out of the ordinary last season in winning two of his three starts over hurdles but as with so many from the yard chasing will be his game. He certainly has plenty of scope and has had plenty of experience between the flags. Wichita Lineman developed into a top class hurdler but failed to reproduce his best form last season and is probably best watched until proving that he retains his ability and enthusiasm for the game. West End Rocker shaped as a dour stayer over hurdles and should make up into a fine staying chaser in time, Turbulance didn't live up to expectations over timber but was well regarded and could improve for the switch to chasing whilst Kornati Kid made a pleasing debut over the larger obstacles at Exeter recently and that outing should stand him in good stead here. An interesting heat which may go the way of Big Fella Thanks.
Big Fella Thanks 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, every chance 2 out until after last, one pace, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Asian Royale (11-1) at Ayr 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Apr.
Kornati Kid 5-2 (11-5) Held up, tracked leaders 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, led 3 out, headed soon after 2 out, kept on, soon held, 2nd of 11, 5l behind Exmoor Ranger (11-5) at Exeter 3m beg chs (4) gs.
Turbulance (IRE) 2-1fav (11-8) In touch, joined leaders and every chance 3 out, ridden 2 out, plugged on, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Hinton Thunderbolt (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
West End Rocker (IRE) 2-1 (11-1) Always in touch, led 9th, pressed from 3 out, ridden between last 2, headed soon after last, unable to quicken, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Sullumo (11-6) at Bangor 3m nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Wichita Lineman (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 8th, driven after next, weakened after 2 out, 9th of 17, 38l behind Inglis Drever (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
