prominent, mistake 3rd, ridden next, soon well behind
chased winner to 5th, ridden 3 out, one paced next
prominent, tracked winner 6th, soon ridden, weakened quickly approaching 2 out
in touch throughout but never troubled leaders
held up towards rear, headway and ridden 5th, weakened next
held up in touch, headway 5th to tracked leaders, ridden and held from 2 out
made all, 3 lengths clear 3 out, kept on well
held up mid-division, headway 6th, chased winner from 2 out without being dangerous
held up mid-division, took closer order 5th, ridden to be in touch next, weakened 2 out
prominent, mistake 3rd, ridden and headway 2 out, soon one paced
keen, tracked leader until weakened 6th, soon well behind
held up towards rear, some moderate headway 5th but never dangerous
Not the strongest of events to start the day, contested by mainly out of form animals. It remains to be seen whether the blinkers have the desired effect on Caballe, but there is no doubt that if she is anywhere near her best she would make short work of these. River Bann tackles handicappers for the first time and may be capable of some improvement, especially as he doesn't look overburdened off his mark of 93. Andrew Doble won a poor race in good style at Fakenham, but when the emphasis was more on stamina at Southwell, he was found wanting. He looks one to take on, even at this level. One place ahead of him that day was the maiden Hakim. Although it is something of a concern that Hakim is still a maiden at the age of nine, he is lightly raced and a chance is taken with him to land his first success over hurdles.
