mid-division, headway 3rd, went 2nd approaching 3 out to approaching next, soon weakened
slightly hampered 3rd, always behind, tailed off when mistake 5th
chased leader to approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden after 2 out, led when jumped right and hit left, ran on
in touch, ridden and lost place approaching 4th, soon behind
led, hit 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, stayed on
chased leaders to approaching 3 out
chased leaders to approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
behind, ridden and headway 3 out, went 3rd next, one pace when not fluent last
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Adjami, Reservoir, Thieves' Glen and Mr Mischief are four that hold chances here, with the vote going to Adjami. Adjami possibly has not lived up to expectations, but there is no doubt that the form of his third to Medison at Taunton two runs ago reads well in the context of this race. As such, he should be in the mix. Reservoir's form is solid, including when third to Briareus at Newbury last time, and he too looks set to play a big part in this race. Thieves' Glen showed plenty of promise as a novice hurdler and has also won at a fair level over fences. Back over hurdles in a race that lacks strength in depth, his chance cannot be dismissed, although the market might prove your best guide. Of the others, Mr Mischief is another to have shown a deal of promise but, overall, he will need to improve to trouble what we see as the principals, while Shining Strand has nine lengths to find on Reservoir on Newbury form - with Sonic Sound further behind - Bergerac could be capable of better, and the Mark Tompkins-trained Rajayoga could be worth a look in the betting. Overall, though, we will side with Reservoir.
Reservoir (IRE) 7-2 Chased winner, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 12l behind Briareus at Newbury 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Mr Mischief 4-1 Held up in touch, joined leader 3 out, soon ridden, every chance next, weakened after last, 3rd of 14, 5l behind Supreme Leisure at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Skibereen (IRE) 33-1 Not fluent, always towards rear, 6th of 9, 28l behind Earth Man at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Thieves'glen 16-1 Pulled hard, soon in touch, led after 5th, headed and blundered 3 out, 6th and beaten when pulled up at the last in race won by Standin Obligation at Exeter 2m 6f nh nov hdl (E) gd, 16 ran.
Ace Coming 100-1 Midfield, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 13th of 16, 34l behind Briareus at Kempton 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Mar.
Shining Strand 9-1 Held up behind, stayed on from 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 15, 21l behind Briareus at Newbury 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Sonic Sound 33-1 In touch, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 28l behind Briareus at Newbury 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Adjami (IRE) 7-1 Prominent, headway before 2 out and chased leaders, no extra flat, 3rd of 14, 9l behind Medison at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gs in Jan.
