held up in touch, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, soon onepaced
led to 2nd, led again approaching 4th, made rest, ran on strongly from 2 out
tracked leaders, chased leader 4 out to 2 out, no extra run in
held up in rear, outpaced 3 out
led 2nd, headed approaching 4th, 5th and in touch and driven along when fell 3 out
towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, went 2nd next, soon ridden, not pace of winner
A small but select field goes to post for this hurdle and most of the runners would have a chance on there best form. Talarive, Sun Bird and Vigoureux are all sure to have there supporters but we prefer to side with Far Pavillions. The gelding from the George Swinbank Yard looked very useful until disappointing at Aintree. He was never travelling on that occasion and in the hope that the problem has been solved after a 34 day absence he is taken to get back on the winning trail with conditions in his favour. Talarive rates the main danger. He has ran well on the course before notably when second behind Covent Garden and a reproduction of that effort would see him go close. Sun Bird is the least exposed in the field and he made a pleasing hurdling debut when second behind Zamat over course and distance. He is sure to have improved for that experience and he should be in the shake up. Vigoureux is another that should improve but his best efforts have come with plenty of cut in the ground and he may find these conditions a shade on the fast side. The remainder need to improve on all known form to take a hand in the finish.
