tracked leader, led after 4 out, quickened next, comfortably
led, headed after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
behind, outpaced from halfway
tracked leaders, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, no impression approaching last
held up in touch, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon outpaced
in touch, pushed along and headway after 4 out, chasing winner next, blundered 2 out, held when mistake last
Runner-up in this event in the past two years to Landing Light and Barton respectively, the French Furze will be attempting to make it third time lucky. He is one of those horses who is difficult to place, as he runs well, without being quite good enough to win in these condition races, but is just too high in the weights to win a handicap. He looks booked for a place again at best. October Mist is interesting on this return to hurdling, having lost his way over fences. A 136 rated hurdler at his best, he clearly has something to find with the best of these, but he comes here fit from an outing on the flat, and must not be underestimated. Castleshane is genuine and consistent, but has plenty to find at this level. Last years Champion Hurdle runner-up Marble Arch will be a short price to land this in receipt of 8lbs from Intersky Falcon, but there is a suspicion he may be better suited to a bigger field, so a tentative TEAMtalk vote goes to the Jonjo O'Neill runner. In just over a year the selection has improved nearly four stone on official ratings and there is no signs of him stopping, although he will have to continue on his upward curve if he is to see off Marble Arch.
