held up in touch, headway before 2 out, led approaching last, soon clear, very easily
led until after 3rd, pushed along 3 out, led again before last, soon headed and weakened
tracked leader, slow 4th, led approaching 2 out, headed soon after and weakened
tracked leaders, under pressure before 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led after 3rd, headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden and weakened
Just the five runners turn up for the opener, an amateur rider handicap hurdle, and of the quintet KARASAKAL has really strong claims after his run in better company last time with Keyneema looking the next best and Spider Boy also under consideration. Most of these aren't stand-out performers in bottomless ground but the pick has shown he handles soft going in the past. He made a nice seasonal re-appearance last time when only finding one too good in a better race at Ascot and with the form looking strong from that contest he should take all the beating. Keyneema recovered from a non completion on his first start of the campaign to run into a place in a selling handicap hurdle last time out. In this line-up he looks competitively treated and he is another that handles soft ground. Spider Boy has to be considered as he definitely handles these conditions and is back to his last winning mark while out of the remaining pair Musashi looks the better racing under a career low mark. A poor turnout to start with, which makes siding with Karasakal even easier.
Karasakal (IRE) 6-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, effort approaching 2 out, every chance last, kept on into 2nd run-in but never any chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Zabeel Palace (10-8) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Oct.
Spider Boy 16-1 (10-1) Led until ridden and held approaching 2 out, soon beaten, hung left between last 2, 5th of 11, 25l behind Scots Dragoon (10-13) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (3) gd.
Keyneema 10-3 (11-7) Led until mistake 5th, stayed prominent, ridden and went 2nd 3 out, until no extra flat, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Glengarra (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f sell hcp chs 0-90 (5) gf in May.
Musashi (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Led, hit 2nd, soon clear, reduced lead and headed 3 out, soon weakened under pressure, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Stratford Stroller (11-5) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Smart N Sharp (IRE) 40-1 (10-4) Close up, ridden after 3 out, weakened quickly before next, 8th of 12, 42l behind Raise You Five (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy.
