held up in mid-division, headway 4 out, led 2 out, soon ridden and headed, weakened flat
held up, hit 4th, headway 4 out, effort when blundered 3 out, soon, not recover, pulled up
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after last
tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened after last
led, headed approaching 4 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, hit 3rd, brief effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened
pulled hard, tracked leader, driven along approaching 4 out quickly weakened, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway when slipped approaching 3 out, not recover
held up in touch, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened flat
held up mid-division, some headway approaching 4 out, quickly weakened next, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, led briefly approaching 2 out, jumped right and hit 2 out when headed, rallied to lead again after last, kept on and edged left
The well regarded Steppes Of Gold gets the vote here ahead of Travelling Band, Kitte Ou Double, Koquelicot, Ottoman, Roofing Spirit and Sacre Bleu. The selection made a very pleasing introduction to the sport when winning well on his bumper debut. The second and third from that race have since gone on to win five races between them. He has always been well considered by his trainer and could start off what could be a very good day for Nicky Richards in the best possible way on his hurdling bow. Travelling Band made a very pleasing debut when winning over course and distance on his hurdling debut and, although he seemed to be coming to the end of his stamina limitations that day, is also entitled to be on your shortlist today. Chapter House won a seven-furlong maiden at Chepstow as a three-year-old but then regressed. Kitte Ou Double has won twice in France before running respectably on his British hurdling debut, and now drops back in trip, while fellow import Koquelicot might also appreciate the drop in trip following a slightly disappointing debut at Towcester. Ottoman, who has won seven times on the flat in Australia, looked as though he needed the run on his debut for Richard Guest and it would be no surprise to see him step up on that. Roofing Spirit showed plenty of promise on his bumper debut and could go well on his first run over hurdles. Sacre Bleu is another French import that has to be respected, but we will opt for Steppes Of Gold.
