raced keenly, tracked leaders on inside, ridden and outpaced on long run before 2 out, went modest 3rd between last 2
raced keenly, tracked leaders on outside, weakened on long run before 2 out
raced keenly, tracked leaders, led before 2 out, joined 2 out, pressed last, all out
always towards rear, never on terms
led and set steady pace, headed 3 out, weakened quickly soon after
bumped 1st, always behind, never a factor
tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden and headed on long run before next, lost 2nd approaching 2 out, weakened into 4th between last 2
raced wide, jumped right and bumped 1st, held up towards rear, good headway chasing leaders 3 out, close 2nd approaching next, every chance when dived last, stayed on towards finish
towards rear, pushed along after 6th, weakened 4 out, tailed off and pulled up after next
Though a beaten favourite twice since scoring at Chepstow, PYM’s latest run came in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. He’s probably still improving and should get back on track today. The yard also run The Cashel Man, who was a strong stayer on the Flat but is making his hurdling debut after a lengthy absence. Joyrider also has a long break to overcome tackling hurdles for the first time and previous winners Mystical Clouds ans Northern Bound would need to find more to trouble the selection off level terms. Manvers House was a fair fourth at Newbury, however, and will almost certainly appreciate the step up in distance.
Mystical Clouds (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd before 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, one pace, 2nd of 5, 22l behind Seven De Baune (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f (4) gd in Nov.
Northern Bound (IRE) 2-1fav (11-0) Made all, edged left flat, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Ludlow 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov beating Finalshot (11-0) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Pym (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, soon hard pressed and ridden, headed narrowly last, outpaced flat, 2nd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Coolanly (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gd in Nov.
Dreyfus (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, shaken up 2 out, weakened flat, 5th of 11, 13 1/4l behind Brecon Hill (11-11) at Leicester 2m (3) gd in Jan.
Hugo's Reflection (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, mistake 8th, losing place when fell 3 out, at Lingfield 2m 7f (4) sft in Jan.
Joyrider (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, kept on, always just held, 2nd of 16, 3/4l behind Coolanly (11-2) at Chepstow 2m (6) gs in Oct.
Manvers House 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, led 3 out, headed last, unable to quicken run-in, weakened and lost 2 places towards finish, 4th of 16, 6l behind Champagne Platinum (11-5) at Newbury 2m (4) gs in Dec.
The Cashel Man (IRE) 8-1 (8-10) Dwelt, held up in last pair, headway over 3f out chased leaders over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went never nearer 3rd towards finish, closed on 2nd but no chance with winner, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Top Tug (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 6f hcp (2) gf in May.
Ablaze 16-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, mistake 3rd, outpaced when mistake 3 out, rallied next, weakened flat, last of 6, 19 1/2l behind Coded Message (11-2) at Lingfield 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
