held up, headway approaching 4th, went 2nd at next, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
towards rear, mistake 2nd, pushed along after, ridden and weakened 2 out
chased clear leader, led approaching 5th, hit next, ridden and clear approaching 2 out, headed close home
held up in rear, pushed along, badly blundered 4th, behind when pulled up after 3 out
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
led and soon clear, headed approaching 5th, ridden after 3 out, ran on towards finish
always prominent, ridden after 3 out, hard ridden to lead close home
A far more competitive race than the opener sees several in with chances. The former Irish Flat performer, Beyond Borders is still seeking his first win over hurdles but has been threatening to break that run of late. The five-year-old was a good second at Doncaster last time and with conditions to suit again he is taken as a tentative selection. Another horse formerly trained in Ireland is Wild Romance who has shown ability in three starts so far in this country and a further ease in the weights should see him as a live danger. After two years off the track Hors La Loi has been well beaten in two starts and is best watched on ground which will be faster than ideal. Balakar is interesting on this drop back in trip as he failed to stay at Warwick last time and is best judged on a good third at Chepstow two runs ago. Of the remainder Deferlant is dangerous at his best but has been well below that since returning from chasing.
