chased leaders, mistake and unseated 1st
behind, kept on from over 3f out, never dangerous
with leader, ridden approaching last, soon weakened
behind, ridden after last, kept on final furlong never nearer
in touch, hampered 2f out, weakened after last
led, ridden and headed over 4f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden after last, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden after last, weakened 3f out
in touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
in touch, mistake 2nd, headway and jumped left 3rd, led over 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon beaten
mid-division, headway over 4f out, led 2f out, soon clear, eased towards finish
mid-division, ridden after last, soon weakened
Despite there being plenty of runners, this isn't that competitive. Smyslov, Feel The Pride and Tomwontpayalot should have this to themselves. Smyslov, a decent handicapper on the flat, has been somewhat disappointing so far over timber, but it is interesting that connections are persevering with him and is certainly one to keep an eye on. Feel The Pride, the winner of a 12-furlong handicap on soft ground at Tipperary last year, shaped with plenty of promise on his hurdling debut at Exeter behind a useful sort in Robber Baron. He is sure to be all the wiser for that experience, but the vote goes to hurdling debutante Tomwontpayalot. Runner-up in both of his bumpers to date when in the care of Brian Eckley, he was snapped up by David Johnson to join the all-conquering Martin Pipe's. The four-year-old clearly has a bright future and can to start to repay his connections here.
