held up in rear, headway 2 out, ridden next, never reached leaders
held up, headway 5th, led last, ridden out
led, ridden 3 out, headed last, soon beaten
in touch, ridden after 5th, weakened 2 out
held up, hampered 4th, headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, no extra flat
chased leader to 3rd, weakening when not fluent 5th
keen, mid-division, lost place 3rd, soon behind
mid-division, headway 3rd, close up when blundered and unseated rider 4th
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
towards rear, headway 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, hampered 4th, weakened after next
A disappointing entry given the names at the five day stage but Nyrche could be the one to be on although Brave Vision and Flame Phoenix look interesting opposition. Jockey Robert Thornton has been in terrific form of late and Nyrche, who started the season so promisingly can regain the winning thread. Nyrche probably didn't stay the trip last time out in the Challow Hurdle and today represents a drop in trip and in grade. Brave Vision continues in good heart. He has though gone up another 2lb for a third in a decent Kelso hurdle. Flame Phoenix is here after a long absence but that was probably as a result of ground conditions rather than anything more sinister. The market is dutifully examined. Prize Ring is another who should appreciate today's surface while AP McCoy will no doubt interest a number of the Merseyside punters with his presence aboard Winsley. Lunar Crystal comes here in preference to a run in the County Hurdle and looks to be coming back to fitness following a substantial lay-off. Plenty of chances in the opener and it is to Nyrche that we offer our verdict.
Spring Pursuit 50-1 Behind, not fluent 6th, kept on from 2 out, never dangerous, 14th of 29, 32l behind Idole First at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gd.
Nyrche (FR) 20-1 Held up last, blundered 4 out, close up 3 out, soon ridden, weakened soon after 2 out, 6th of 8, 36l behind Brewster at Newbury 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gs in Dec.
Lunar Crystal (IRE) 10-1 Led to 2nd, led 3rd, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 21, 4 1/2l behind Stance at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gs.
Flame Phoenix (USA) 14-1 Close up, driven to challenge on outside after 2 out, one pace approaching last, 5th of 14, 9l behind Goblet of Fire at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl (B) gd in Oct.
Winsley 20-1 Behind, blundered 2nd, some headway after 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 19, 18l behind Medison at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (A) gs.
Friedhelmo (GER) 40-1 Always behind, 13th of 14, 44l behind Another Dude at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in Feb.
Kercabellec (FR) 25-1 Tracking leaders and keen, close up when mistake and unseated rider at the 9th in race won by Change Agent at Warwick 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs, 8 ran.
Brave Vision 10-1 In touch, headway approaching 2 out, soon challenging, one pace flat, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Kimbambo at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gs in Jan.
Prize Ring 8-1 Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace, 6th of 16, 18l behind Mr Midaz at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs in Dec.
Terlan (GER) 18-1 In touch until ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 13, 16l behind Motive at Catterick 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Mister Moussac 14-1 Held up, hung and jumped right throughout, mistake 2nd, behind when pulled up at the 9th in race won by Meggie's Lad at Bangor 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd, 8 ran.
