chased winner, every chance 2 out, about 1 length down and jumped left last, hard ridden and weakened run in
made all, hit 3 out, joined next, ridden and stayed on well run in
took keen hold early, soon held up in touch, driven along after 5th, disputing 5th under strong pressure when stumbled on landing and unseated rider 3 out
held up in rear but in touch, headway into 3rd 2 out, ridden, went left and hit last, kept on into 2nd run in
chased leaders until ridden and weakened 2 out
soon tracking leaders, weakened under pressure before 2 out
chased leaders, ridden and weakened before 2 out
RIPTIDE gets the nod here over Blazing Buck and hurdling debutant Rio Gael. The latter would be interesting if there is some support in the betting for Rebecca Curtis' runner, however the selection is a proven performer and his official rating of 122 means he sets the standard. He lost little caste in defeat behind Kudu Country at Haydock and can shoulder his penalty to victory here. Blazing Buck sprang a real surprise at Sandown last time out, battling on well to beat Zarinski. That horse has since run well in defeat and he cannot be dismissed too readily. Bahkov has plenty to find with him on that running, Hector's House fell in claiming company last time out and has lots to find with Riptide on their Fontwell clash, whilst Navajo Nation and Heredias have not shown too much over hurdles to get excited about. This looks a good opportunity for Riptide to get back to winning ways.
Blazing Buck 16-1 (10-9) Led, jumped left 1st and 2nd, headed 3rd, hit 5th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied approaching 2 out, soon challenging, stayed on under pressure to lead towards finish, won at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd beating Zarinski (10-12) by 2l, 7 ran.
Riptide 5-2 (11-4) Led, headed after 3rd, pushed along and reminders 5th, kept on from last, always held, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Kudu Country (10-12) at Haydock 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) hvy.
Bahkov (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Held up, raced keenly, jumped slowly 3rd and 4th, lost touch approaching 3 out, clambered over last, last of 7, 35l behind Blazing Buck (10-9) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Hector's House 7-2 (10-5) Led, jumped left 4th, headed narrowly approaching last, close up when fell last, in a race won by Prince Pippin (10-5) at Plumpton 2m nov clm hdl (5) gd, 9 ran.
Heredias (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Mid-division, pushed along after 3rd, lost place 5th, soon behind, 6th of 13, 40l behind Sergeant Pink (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft.
Navajo Nation (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Held up, always behind, 8th of 10, well behind Causeway King (10-12) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Rio Gael (IRE) 40-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 10, 21l behind Kinigi (7-9) at Southwell 7f 2yo clm stks (6) fbs in Nov '08 (flat).
