in touch, mistake 3rd, soon ridden and lost place, mistake 5th, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 7th, ridden to lead again approaching 2 out, stayed on gamely
in touch, led 7th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, kept on to take 2nd flat
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 7th, ridden after next, weakened 3 out
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden after 8th, weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
prominent, jumped slowly 6th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, not fluent last, no extra flat
prominent to 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
behind, effort 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
The Bar Maid goes well here and can win this closing novices' hurdle, with Golden Bay and Freydis the other pair who can make the frame. The selection is again partnered by Tony McCoy, who made virtually all on her to win over course and distance on his penultimate start. Similar tactics are likely to be employed today, she has conditions in her favour and is still on a fair mark. Golden Bay receives weight from the selection and has nothing like her experience. However, Jonathan Geake's charge acts on the ground and will be fitter for her recent Plumpton spin. If she can reproduce some of her bumper form over hurdles then she can go close. Freydis is one in tremendous form and goes on the ground, so she does have positives. However, this drop back in trip is far from certain to suit her, and she may find it too tough, so we take The Bar Maid to return to winning ways.
