mid-division, ridden 4th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, chased leader 4th, shaken up and led approaching 2 out, hard ridden and idled flat, all out
mid-division, ridden 4th, soon weakened
in touch, ridden 4th, soon weakened
in touch, lost place 3rd, ridden approaching 4th, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden 4th, kept on at one pace to go distant 4th from 2 out
chased leader, led 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, held in 3rd when blundered badly 2 out, not recover
led to approaching 4th, soon ridden and weakened, pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, ridden after 4th, no extra
always towards rear, no impression
Esprit de Corps, Jack Rolfe and Marker look the three to concentrate on in this maiden hurdle and the tentative nomination is given to Esprit de Corps. The selection has won at up to two and a quater miles on the flat represents powerful connections is sure to know his job and he looks the one to be on on this his debut over hurdles. Jack Rolfe rates the main danger on his latest third behind Linden Boy. He is sure to have come on for the run and should be watched in the market. Marker was a sprinter on the flat and won over six furlongs, if his stamina lasts out he would be a danger to all but that is a big if. Shannonvale was second in a point to point last time out but the drop in trip has to be of concern while Darusso was well beaten in a grade one hurdle last time out, this looks easier and he could go well at a price but for the winner we are happy to return to Esprit de Corps, even though he will ultimately be better over a longer trip.
Anko (POL) 10-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, ridden, headway approaching 2 out, one pace flat, 3rd of 12, 14l behind Compton Drake (10-9) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (E) gf in Aug '05.
Esprit de Corps 2-1fav (9-12) Held up, smooth headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on strongly, won at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct beating Kayf Aramis (9-10) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran (Flat).
Marker 4-1 (8-6) Went slightly right start, soon struggling, mainly towards rear, last of 8, 19l behind Osiris Way (9-6) at Goodwood 6f hcap (5) gd (Flat).
Shannonvale (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) (tt) led til hdd & outpcd flat, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Mister Falcon (12-7) at Cold Harbour 3m ptp frm in May.
Sun Hill 11-1 (11-6) Mid-division, driven along and in rear after 4th, never on terms, 7th of 15, 41l behind Phardessa (11-12) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in May.
Darusso 200-1 (11-0) Always rear, 17th of 23, well behind Katchit (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Monte Major (GER) 8-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 7th, went second after 10th, ridden 3 out, gradually faded, 5th of 8, 17l behind Celebrity Call (11-2) at Exeter 3m mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Jack Rolfe 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3f out, headed 2f out and weakened, 3rd of 13, 10l behind Linden Boy (10-3) at Stratford 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
