led until 8th, rallied after 3 out, soon under pressure, lost saddle cloth after last
tracked leaders, led 8th, drew clear 2 out, stayed on well
detached in 4th, tailed off 7th, went moderate 3rd 4 out
detached in 3rd, tailed off 7th, weakened 4 out, 2 furlongs behind when refused last
Nicky Henderson’s INDIAN HAWK has won twice over hurdles since the turn of the year. He’s only six and should have a bright future if taking to fences. Malapie is no mug over timber and has also won twice this season. However, he’s going over the larger obstacles late in life as is Stolberg. The latter was tailed off last time in a seller and looks to have little chance if the market principals avoid accidents. Sussex Road has run 27 times over fences and only been placed six times so is even harder to recommend.
Indian Hawk (IRE) 9-4 (11-8) Tracked leader, led briefly 3rd, led 5th, soon headed and left in lead after next, ridden and headed after 3 out, chased winner until before next, weakened between last 2, 5th of 7, 10 1/2l behind Le Breuil (11-12) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Malapie (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Raced on inside, chased leaders, led 2 out, headed approaching last where not fluent, no extra in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 6, 9 3/4l behind Groundunderrepair (10-13) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Apr.
Stolberg (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Held up, closed 9th, 3rd and weakening before 2 out, last of 4, 33 1/2l behind Alf 'n' Dor (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m 3f (5) sft in Apr.
Sussex Road (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) In last pair from 2nd, jumped left 5th, tailed off 6th, pulled up before 4 out, at Leicester 2m (3) hvy in Mar.
