raced in last, not fluent 4th, outpaced 6th, well behind from 8th, tailed off
not fluent 1st, tracked leader until 3rd, jumped slowly 6th and when getting outpaced 7th, went left and no impression from next, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, took keen hold, went 2nd from 3rd, challenging when not fluent last, led flat, ridden out
led, hit 2 out, pressed when lunged at last, headed flat, stayed on, held close home
Bredon Hill Lad completed a hat-trick on testing ground over hurdles a year ago, the last two on this track, but has a mountain to climb on official hurdles ratings against two potentially useful chasers. ON TOUR also completed a hat-trick over timber at this time last year though at a very much higher level. His later runs were in a Grade 3 and the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and he can begin his new career with a victory though he'll need to be smart to see off Otago Trail. From a yard going well, he doesn't have quite the level of form shown by the selection but has the pedigree of a chaser and should pay his way this campaign. Dual winning bumper Heath Hunter won three times over hurdles and was placed in strong company so he's no forlorn hope if the likely market leaders don't come up to scratch.
Bredon Hill Lad 3-1fav (10-8) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, struggling 9th, 6th of 14, dist behind Monbeg Gold (11-11) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Heath Hunter (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Mid-division, plugging on in well held 8th and no chance when mistake last, 9th of 23, 17l behind Ebony Express (10-7) at Sandown 2m hcp (1) gs in Mar.
On Tour (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) In rear, hampered 2nd, struggling 6th, some headway before 2 out, soon weakened, 12th of 21, 36 3/4l behind Killultagh Vic (11-1) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Mar.
Otago Trail (IRE) 10-11fav (11-13) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd from 6th, chased winner before last, kept on and no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Earthmoves (11-7) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f (4) gs in Mar.
