race keen in mid-division, headway 7th to track leaders, every chance 4 out, lost action and pulled up quickly before next
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place approaching 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before next
in touch, headway 4 out, led next, headed after last, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, headway to chase leader 3 out, soon ridden, challenged last, led briefly run in, kept on
in touch, reminder 4th, ridden and lost place 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
with leader, every chance 4 out, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed 3 out, outpaced next
mid-division, some headway 4 out, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
held in rear, headway 3 out, soon ridden, effort approaching last, stayed on strongly under pressure to lead run in
This is a competitive contest and many would have chances on their best form, but the principles look to be End of An Error, Champagne Lil and Throwaline, and the vote goes to the latter. Throwaline was impressive in novice hurdles last season and the step up in trip will suit for this his handicap hurdle debut. He again has conditions in his favour and will be hard to beat despite top weight. End of An Error was second over course and distance behind Old Nosey last time but this looks more competitive and improvement will be needed if End of An Error is to feature at the finish. Champagne Lil has shown fair form of late but gave the impression that the handicapper had caught up with him when second behind Captain Zinzan last time. But the step up in trip will suit and he has definite place claims. Of the rest, Simlet looked a fair sort when last seen over hurdles and is on a decent mark. He should be fit after a recent outing on the flat, so any market support should be noted, but Throwaline looks relatively unexposed and is the one to beat.
