tracked leaders, headway 7th, ridden 2 out, every chance approaching last, driven out to lead flat
held up, tracked leaders approaching 2 out, soon led, ridden and headed after last and soon one pace
mid-division, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before next
held up and keen early, led approaching 2nd, headed 6th, soon weakened
mid-division, saddle slipped and pulling up when unseated rider on flat approaching 6th
held up, smooth headway to lead 3 out, soon clear, ridden and headed 2 out and soon weakened
mid-division, blundered 1st, weakened from 7th, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, headway and every chance 7th, blundered and unseated rider next
led, headed 2nd, led again 6th, ridden and headed 3 out and soon weakened
Nonrunner
A competitive novices hurdle here and there is very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Middleton Dene, Harcas and Pigeon Island and the vote is given to Middleton Dene. The selection won well last out when beating Panthers Run and although having another penalty for that run he again has conditions to suit and he looks progressive so he is taken to win again. Harcas rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when beating Fit To Fly but this looks tougher and he will need to improve to win this under a penalty. Pigeon Island is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he is very one-paced. Ormello is another that could go well on his best form but he dissapointed for no apparent reason last time out so can not be put forward with any confidence. Of the remainder Got bThe Gift is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but his overall profile leaves him with a little to find and for the winner we return to Middleton Dene.
Middleton Dene (IRE) 2-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead before last, edged right flat, kept on well, won at Perth 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul beating Panthers Run (10-7) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Pigeon Island 6-4fav (11-4) Held up, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, ridden to lead approaching next, headed towards finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Rood Report (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf.
Even Smarter 100-1 (10-10) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Middleton Dene (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul, 11 ran.
Familiar Affair 25-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 13th of 15, well behind Driversford (10-5) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Jul.
Got The Gift (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, lost place 4th, no danger after, 6th of 12, 27l behind Allez Frank (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd.
Ormello (FR) 12-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, close up when blundered badly 4 out, soon weakened, beaten when pulled up 3 out in race won by Commercial Express (10-2) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Jun, 11 ran.
Smart (POL) 66-1 (10-7) Chased leader, lost place and weakening when hampered over 5f out, tailed off, 11th of 13, well behind Breaking Storm (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Dippy Duck (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Prominent, 3rd 6f out, 5th approaching straight, soon no extra, 8th of 23, 11l behind I Don't Know (11-2) at Punchestown 2m mrs nhf gd in Jun '06.
Just Posh 100-1 (10-1) Always behind, lost touch from 4th, 12th of 15, well behind Driversford (10-5) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Jul.
The Last Turn 28-1 (10-9) Raced keenly, led, headed and weakened quickly approaching 3 out, behind when blundered 2 out, 6th of 7, well behind Lyricist's Dream (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Jul.
Harcas (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden last, stayed on under pressure, won at Perth 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Jul beating Fit To Fly (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Beau Saddler 50-1 (10-10) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Middleton Dene (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
