led until after 2nd, chased winner approaching 4th until after next, ridden to challenge after 3 out, still every chance between last 2, no extra flat
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, 3rd and beaten when blundered last
not fluent, no chance approaching 3 out, tailed off
jumped left and not fluent, held up towards rear, no chance approaching 3 out
took keen hold, in touch, mistake 2nd, blundered 4th, struggling to keep up next, behind when blundered 3 out
tracked leaders, raced keenly, weakened 5th, tailed off
held up in rear, took keen hold, progress to go 4th 3 out, jumped left and hit 2 out, stayed on to take 3rd flat
raced freely, pressed leader until went on after 2nd, clear approaching 4th, joined after 3 out, stayed on gamely flat
HAYES PRINCESS may be able to make the most of the weight that she receives from Agente Romano and Pilgrims Lane and make a winning debut over hurdles. She won't be able to afford many mistakes as she faces some fair and experienced rivals in this contest but this Hereford bumper winner looks fairly weighted in receipt of all the allowances and with the two principal form candidates penalised. Agente Romano has finished in the frame on all four starts so thoroughly deserved his narrow success at Plumpton with the pair pulling clear of the third but he needs to prove that he can replicate that form on a stiffer track. Pilgrims Lane has been set some stiff tasks over fences of late but he's three from nine over hurdles and could relish the return to tackling timber. However, it's debateable as to whether he has reproduced that level of form in two runs for his new yard so we're prepared to take him on. Dot's Delight was still travelling well enough when falling four days ago but the race hadn't got underway in earnest and it remains to be seen as to whether she'd have been able to have a say in the finish. The remainder are worth a cursory check for signs of confidence but they'll do well to trouble the principals, of whom, we'll take a chance with the newcomer Hayes Princess.
Pilgrims Lane (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) In touch, headway 8th, tracking leading pair when mistake 9th, challenged and every chance 3 out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Nudge And Nurdle (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf.
Agente Romano (USA) 11-10fav (10-12) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 3 out, challenged from 2 out, led flat, kept on well, won at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Sep beating Capall Eile (10-12) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Distant Noble 20-1 (8-12) Led, headed after 1f, ridden 3f out, soon beaten, 7th of 10, 12l behind Secret Meaning (8-5) at Wolverhampton 7f 3yo sell stks (6) pol in Apr '08 (flat).
Piper's Song (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Held up, headway when hampered 2 out, weakening when mistake last, 6th of 14, 13l behind Turf War (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Royal Rainbow 80-1 (9-2) Led after 2f, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 18l behind Spirit Is Needed (8-12) at Leicester 1m 4f mdn stks (5) gf in Sep (flat).
Star Of Memory (FR) 9-1 (10-7) Prominent in chasing group, struggling 5th, 5th of 8, 12l behind Foreign King (10-12) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Nov '07.
Dot's Delight 9-2 (9-12) Tailed off in close 4th, travelling well and close up when fell 3 out, in a race won by Risk (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf, 4 ran.
Hayes Princess (IRE) 10-3 (11-7) Led, soon clear until halfway, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 2 3/4l behind Miss Overdrive (10-11) at Southwell 2m N H flat (5) gd in Mar.
Campfire Tales (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Raced keenly, led 2nd to 3rd, chased leader to 5th, weakened 3 out, 10th of 11, 37l behind Another Trump (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Aug.
