always in rear, weakened over 3 out
close up, ridden and slightly outpaced after 3 out, headway approaching last, ran on close home
held up, headway approaching 4 out, led after 2 out, driven and headed near finish
held up, weakened over 3 out
close up, weakened 4th, pulled up after next
held up, headway 3 out, ridden and every chance when hit 2 out, weakened last
held up, hung left from over 3 out, never dangerous
tracked leader, led 3 out, headed after 2 out, rallied flat, led near finish
led, soon clear, hit 3rd, headed 3 out, weakened next
Late Claim is the tentative choice over Tai Lass, The Local and Constantine in the juvenile novices' handicap hurdle. Late Claim, a winner on the Flat for Barry Hills, surprised connections when scoring at Kempton on what was his third outing over hurdles, as he had been disappointing in two earlier efforts. He was not entered for Cheltenham so is obviously not one of the top team at Seven Barrows, but ran well for a long way behind some useful sorts at Stratford a fortnight ago and should be more than capable here, although a slightly longer trip would not come amiss. Tai Lass has shown promise over hurdles and was a fair second on her handicap bow at Newbury three weeks ago. In receipt of weight from Late Claim, she can give the selection a race, as can Constantine, whose fourth to Made In Japan at Sandown has been advertised by the latter's subsequent Triumph Hurdle success. Of the rest, The Local makes most appeal as he is likely to try and set the pace, and is one to consider for a place. Late Claim was the best of these on the level though and can emphasise that point by landing the spoils today.
