with leader, led 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed next, kept on, no chance winner
mid-division, pushed along approaching 9th, ridden after 4 out, kept on from 2 out, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on, no impression from 2 out
in touch, pushed along and outpaced from 4 out, never dangerous
held up, headway on bit approaching 3 out, led next, drew clear approaching last, very easily
led, reminder 6th, headed next, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on
After a number of disappointing renewals in the last couple of years, this year has seen leg one of an unofficial British championship emerge. With Baracouda and Bannow Bay racing overseas, the staying division lacks some depth and here is a chance for some early point scoring. Brother Joe was thought of as a potential Champion Hurdler when he first emerged on the scene a couple of years ago. He possesses a high cruising speed but can make the odd mistake. Officially, he is well in at the weights and with Hobbs in good form, he sets the standard. Spendid did nothing wrong over hurdles after an abortive chasing campaign. A resolute character, he seems to handle any surface and rarely gives in. Warren Marston formed a good alliance with him at the back end of last season and he must go close. Boss Doyle took this race in 2001 under an enterprising ride by David Casey. He did beat Spendid by seven lengths but the latter has progressed over hurdles since. Ad Hoc and Bindaree will be heading for the Grand National and today's outing should be viewed as a pipe-opener. Frosty Canyon is another who has been seen out over the larger obstacles and while he has performed creditably in staying handicaps, he has a few pounds to find on the book. The TEAMtalk selection is Stromness. He struggled on the soft in the early part of last season but a step up in trip and decent ground were the making of him. A progressive sort, he may well go Novice Chasing after this. If he is fit, he should be too good for these.
