tracked leaders, led before 3rd until before next, chased winner until soon after 4 out, ridden and weakened before next
jumped slickly, led until eased and headed approaching 3rd, in front again before next, made rest, quickened clear run-in, very easily
raced keenly, always in rear, outpaced 4 out, blundered last
pulled hard in last pair, ridden and struggling before 2 out, never a factor
chased leaders, 2nd after 4 out until pecked 3 out, chased leading pair until next, no extra in 4th
chased winner until before 3rd, chased leaders, 2nd again soon after 3 out, kept on but flattered by proximity to winner
hit 1st, took keen hold, held up in touch, steady headway before 3 out, went 3rd next, soon one pace and no impression
Montanna carries a double penalty for a couple of victories over 2m4f including over these hurdles. But AL DANCER is fancied to take advantage of the weight concession despite carrying his own penalty after scoring over 2m1f at Carlisle last month. He beat a subsequent winner on that occasion so the form looks solid enough in today’s company. Bumper winner On The Rox returns to action and goes hurdling for the first time along with Saint De Vassy though the former’s stablemate Present Value is related to decent hurdler Paisley Park among others and is a newcomer to note.
Montanna 6-5fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace before 2 out, rallied last, stayed on to lead flat, driven out, won at Perth 2m 4f (4) gd in Jul beating Farocco (10-12) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Al Dancer (FR) 6-5fav (10-12) Tracked leaders on outside, challenged 2 out, led last, edged right flat, ridden out, kept on well, won at Carlisle 2m 1f (4) gs in Oct beating Windsor Avenue (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Bredon Hill Leo 100-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, beaten 5 out, tailed off, 6th of 13, dist behind Remastered (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m (4) hvy in Nov.
Looks Frozen (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Led until approaching 2 out, weakened before next, 6th of 10, 32 1/4l behind Zoffany Bay (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov.
On The Rox (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Mid-division, driven over 2f out, soon one pace, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, never reached leader, 7th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Summer Lightening (10-1) at Newcastle 2m (5) pol in Apr.
Present Value (IRE) Gold Well gelding out of Presenting Shares.
Saint De Vassy (FR) 22-1 (10-9) In touch in rear, headway over 8f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 7, 9 1/2l behind Whiskey In The Jar (11-2) at Warwick 2m mdn (6) sft in Mar.
