raced on inner, took keen hold in mid-division, headway 4th, no chance when hit last, weakened run in
always in rear, tailed off before 6th
held up in rear, headway 6th, challenged and jumped left 3 out, led narrowly 2 out, in command when jumped left last, driven out
in touch, promising headway to track leaders from 6th, weakened quickly next, tailed off
chased leader to after 5th, weakened before next, tailed off
took keen hold and held up in rear, ridden and effort 6th, weakened before next, tailed off
always in rear, mistake 4th, driven and not run on from next, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, weakened and behind from 6th, tailed off
always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 6th
in touch, effort to lead narrowly after 3 out, not fluent and headed 2 out, driven and no impression before last
prominent until weakened before 6th, tailed off
led until headed after 3 out, soon outpaced by leading pair, weakened before last
Joshua's Bay, Sandywell George and Barton Nic are all shortlisted in this wide open Handicap Hurdle, and we will make Joshua's Bay our tentative choice. This gelding from the John Jenkins yard was a beaten favourite last time at Southwell when fourth behind Teejay, but he was left with a lot to do in that race and was noted making eyecatching headway before hitting the final fence hard. He is beginning to ease in the weights and looks capable of making a bold bid. Sandywell George is one of a number of dangers, but he was disappointing last time at Exeter, and he may make a better chaser in time. Barton Nic won well last time at Plumpton, but that was only a modest event and he will have to improve to win this, while East Hill looks an unexposed type who could be capable of going well, although he may be better at slightly further. Marrakech was outclassed in a good race at Sandown last time, and he will find this easier, but in a wide open event, Joshua's Bay gets the nomination.
