led, headed approaching 3 out, soon ridden, not pace of winner
tracked leader, led 3 out, quickened clear approaching last, easily
chased leaders until ridden and weakened approaching 4 out
First Love produced plenty of blushes for her backers when going down to Claymore last time out at Uttoxeter. That horse took full advantage of Asador's demise to score on Friday afternoon so in some respects the form has a solid ring to it. Hitman was thought of as a Champion Hurdle possible before training troubles put paid to those ambitions. Pitman's team have reportedly had little opportunity to school of late and it may be that his charge will need the race. Uncle Wallace is solid enough but will need to improve in order to win this. A punt is taken on Montalcino. Martin Pipe's representative is better known over three miles but has won over 2.5 miles on soft ground before. The canny trainer is not adverse to thieving the odd-race or too over what experts might term the "incorrect trip" and we expect that today may well be the day.
