led 2nd, clear 4th, 2 lengths clear when fell 5th
mostly tracked leading pair until 3 out, driven and no impression before 2 out, went 3rd flat
held up in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
led to 2nd, tracked leader, left in lead 5th, made rest, driven and stayed on well
held up last, headway to track leading pair 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, no impression
raced in 4th place until dropped to rear 4th, never going well after, well behind when blundered 3 out
keen hold, held up in touch, went 2nd before 3 out, driven and no response when hit 2 out, weakened and lost moderate 3rd flat
Straw Bear can stamp his Champion Hurdle claims here, with Desert Quest, Noble Request and Jazz Messenger taken to chase him home in vain. Straw Bear was very unlucky not to collect the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last March, but duly made amends when landing a Grade 2 affair at Aintree in April. The former Sir Mark Prescott inmate found Iktitaf too good at Punchestown on his final outing of last season, but has continued to thrive at home during the summer. He came back with a bang when slamming his eight rivals in the 'Fighting Fifth' at Newcastle last month, and although he meets some useful opponents here, connections must surely be confident that he can pass the test. The selection had both Desert Quest and Noble Request behind last time and should uphold the form, although the better ground will enable Desert Quest to get a bit closer today. With Iktitaf staying in Ireland, his compatriot Jazz Messenger is left to fly the flag for the emerald isle, but he has a mountain to climb to turn around the Supreme Novices' form with Nick Gifford's star, and the remainder do not look up to the task. There is a million-pound bonus up for grabs if Straw Bear can land this and then go on to glory at the Festival in March. First things first though, and the son of Diesis should take today's test in his stride.
Afsoun (FR) 5-2fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, led between last 2, in command last, driven out, won at Newbury 2m hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov beating Craven (10-4) by 8l, 9 ran.
Desert Quest (IRE) 11-4 (11-7) Held up, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous, last of 9, well behind Straw Bear (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Nov.
Hasty Prince 15-2 (10-3) In rear and bumped 1st, ridden 4 out, staying on from 3 out, rallied after last, not reach winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Demi Beau (10-6) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp chs (2) sft in Nov.
Jazz Messenger (FR) 4-7fav (11-9) Disputed lead, led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on well from last, comfortably, won at Thurles 2m lst hdl (1) sft beating Holly Tree (10-13) by 8l, 4 ran.
Noble Request (FR) 9-2 (11-7) Held up, headway 4 out, challeneged next, chased winner 2 out, kept on, no impression, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Straw Bear (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Nov.
Self Defense 12-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden and weakened after 7th, 5th of 7, 35l behind Hardy Eustace (11-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Straw Bear (USA) Evensfav (11-7) Held up, headway 4 out, led 3 out, shaken up and clear next, ran on, won at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Nov beating Noble Request (11-7) by 5l, 9 ran.
