tracked leaders, took keen hold, jumped left 4th and 7th, went 2nd when not fluent 3 out, driven after next, stayed on same pace, no impression flat
tracked leaders, pressed for 2nd 3 out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression from next
tracked leader, led before 3 out, in command when jumped right last, driven right out
led, jumped slowly 2nd, headed before 3 out, soon beaten, weakened next
Not straightforward as three of these have been tried in much higher grade and now revert to novice company. LIBERTY COURT was a comfortable Taunton winner last month and clearly retains his ability after a lay-off, prior to which he'd been pitched into a hot Sandown handicap won by Saphir Du Rheu. He's proven on the forecast ground and is preferred to Agreement, a former Ballydoyle inmate. The latter was asked to operate at Grade 1 level last time and will be much happier dropping back in class here. A winner previously at Stratford, a strong effort is expected. King Massini is actually the highest-rated of these over timber but hasn't been seen over hurdles for over a year and this looks something of a confidence booster as he's had two non-completions in his last three starts over fences. Henlann Harri has fair bumper form but faces a tough test on this hurdling debut.
Liberty Court (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, effort to lead 2 out, ridden clear flat, comfortably, won at Taunton 2m 3f mdn hdl (5) gd in Apr beating Badger Wood (11-0) by 8l, 12 ran.
Agreement (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, pushed along after 4 out, soon weakened, 12th of 15, 35l behind Guitar Pete (11-0) at Aintree 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Henllan Harri (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Made most, ridden and headed over 1f out, not pace of winner final furlong, 2nd of 14, 4l behind Broughtons Rhythm (11-3) at Stratford 2m NH flat (5) gs in Mar.
King Massini (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Hampered and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Shotavodka (11-8) at Haydock 2m 6f hcp chs (2) sft, 8 ran.
Seranwen (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Held up, always towards rear, tailed off, 14th of 16, well behind One Conemara (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb '13.
