held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching next
led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakening when jumped right last
prominent, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
held up, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, led 2 out, all out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to chase winner approaching last, stayed on towards finish
always behind, soon tailed off
Mexican Bob has created a favourable impression in three starts over hurdles this term and has to be respected with the Alan King stable continuing in good form but he may struggle to give weight away all round and preference is for Lightning Strike, with Osprey View rated the pick of the remainder. The selection showed signs of ability over timber from limited opportunities last term and, despite being well held in the Cesarewitch on his most recent start on the level, the Venetia Williams-trained gelding should be spot on for this now. Chrysander looks to be going the right way at present and Evan Williams has his string in good order, while Tazbar showed decent form in bumpers but lacks any hurdling experience. The Shy Man may prefer a faster surface and of more interest may be Osprey View, who has shown progressive form this term. Venetia Williams has her string in good order right now though and her representative Lightning Strike is taken to open his account over hurdles.
Mexican Bob 10-11fav (11-4) Held up in touch, headway after 4th, led and not fluent 3 out, hard ridden approaching last, stayed on well under pressure, won at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (3) gd in Oct beating Sir Haydn (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Chrysander 8-11fav (10-12) Made all, soon clear, quickened 3 out, ran on, won at Ludlow 2m nov hdl (4) gd beating Nakoma (10-5) by 3l, 6 ran.
Osprey View (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, led to 3 out, weakened after next, 6th of 14, 9l behind Platin Grounds (10-1) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (2) gs in Oct.
The Shy Man (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Mid-division, smooth headway to lead 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on, won at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd beating Lockstockandbarrel (10-12) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Lightning Strike (GER) 22-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced after 6th, came stand side approaching 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 12, 21l behind Katchit (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Tazbar (IRE) 9-2 (11-6) Help up towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden over 3f out, slightly outpaced inside final 2f, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 7l behind Theatrical Moment (11-5) at Aintree 2m nhf (2) gd in May.
Miss Shred Easy 20-1 (9-11) Always behind and mistakes, tailed off from 7th, 8th of 9, well behind Osako D'airy (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
