led, headed 2nd, led again 3 out, clear 2 out, kept on
keen, led 2nd, headed 3 out, weakened soon after, mistake 2 out
keen, soon in touch, weakened after 3rd, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, some progress after 3rd, ridden and weakened 3 out
in touch and jumped violently right 1st and 2nd, ridden 4th to chase leaders and weakened after 3 out
keen and hampered 1st, some progress and under pressure from 3 out
towards rear, some headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened
always in rear, tailed off 3 out
Nonrunner
An open start to the day can go the way of newcomer At The Money with Lit Et Mixe and Peut Etre Sivola just two others on the shortlist. The last-named could be anything, and it is hard to know what to make of his French form. He wasn't beaten far on his last outing and so a British debut over the minimum trip makes some sense. He is sure to appreciate underfoot conditions and whilst he may be better in time over fences, he should be watched closely for signs of confidence in the market. Salesin was beaten last time out when making a hash of the last, and it appears that he may have more success when sent handicapping. Lit Et Mixe represents a stable who have a 25% strike rate with their hurdlers at the track so warrants plenty of respect on his debut. He is well-bred however stamina is not totally assured so a watching brief may be the call today. Psycho Cat won on quicker ground at Newton Abbot in August, and he may struggle to shoulder his penalty to victory on this ground. Therefore we will side with James Eustace's At The Money to make his debut a winning one. He won on soft ground on the flat and although he has disappointed in two runs on the all-weather this winter, he should be fit from those and is an interesting newcomer to hurdling. He has won over 15 furlongs so stamina is assured and with Robert Thornton an eye-catching jockey booking, he gets the vote today.
