keen, led, headed 3rd, blundered next, led again soon after, mistake 2 out, soon headed narrowly, ridden and kept on one pace from last
held up in touch, improved 4th, joined leader 2 out, led on bit narrowly soon after, ridden last, ran on
held up in rear, ridden and weakened 4th
keen, close up, led 3rd, headed soon 4th, ridden and weakened next
tracked leader until 3rd, remained close up, ridden and hit 2 out, weakened approaching last
ELK TRAIL has conditions to suit as he drops in grade and is preferred to Applaude and Mickmacmagoole. Pam Sly has her team in good order at present so it was a little disappointing that Elk Trail didn't fare better at Lingfield but the jockey reported that the gelding wasn't happy going left handed. He goes the other way round today, drops in grade and has leading claims on the figures. Mickmacmagoole has a good strike rate for a horse of his ability and the market has often been a good guide to his chances. He's not the doughtiest of battlers once in front but his jockey knows him well enough and he has claims on the pick of his form although the testing conditions are a concern. Applaude made the perfect start to his hurdling career in a similar contest over course and distance which prompted connections to buy him back in for 3,800 pounds. He handled the soft ground well enough on that occasion and should have more to offer but preference is for Elk Trail.
Elk Trail (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Jumped badly right and numerous mistakes, led and soon clear, reduced lead when went badly right 4 out, headed well before 2 out and weakened quickly, 5th of 6, 20l behind Spear Thistle (11-11) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Nov.
Mickmacmagoole (IRE) 11-8fav (11-5) In rear and wide, headway when not fluent 7th, soon pushed along, hanging left before 9th, not run on, 4th of 9, 31l behind Rathrockscourt (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) gd in Oct.
Applaude 10-1 (10-12) Held up, hit 3rd, headway approaching 2 out, soon challenging on inner, narrow lead last, ridden clear flat, won at Leicester 2m sll hdl (5) gf in Nov beating Hoar Frost (9-12) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Natural Rhythm (IRE) 17-2 (10-12) Took keen hold, soon in touch, mistake 6th, soon beaten, awkward on bend approaching 3 out, 4th of 6, 36l behind Golden Globe (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) hvy in Nov.
Matinee Idol 40-1 (10-2) In rear, ridden 7th, pulled up before next, in a race won by Toulouse Express (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Mar, 11 ran.
Split The Wind (USA) 9-2 (10-7) Held up towards rear, stayed on steadily approaching 2 out, never near to trouble leaders, 5th of 16, 8l behind King Keano (11-0) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Jun.
