chased winner from 2nd, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
prominent in chasing group, went 2nd briefly 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened after next
chased winner to 2nd, remained prominent in chasing group, weakened approaching 4 out
made all, soon well clear, unchallenged
behind, reminder 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, well behind halfway, stayed on same pace from 2 out, no impression on winner
Dual Hexham winner Kidithou has struggled under a penalty on his last two starts and may do so again so preference is for Holland Park, who gets the verdict over Moonlit Harbour. The last mentioned had some fair form in bumpers prior to making a winning hurdling debut at Sedgefield in October. Mick Easterby's gelding was made to work hard by the 103-rated Cumbrian Knight that day and, while there is further improvement to come, that form leaves him with plenty to find to beat the selection. The Venetia Williams-trained Meggies Gamble has claims on his last time out second behind Distant Thunder but again needs to improve on that form. Carlisle winner Sands Rising and Ferdy Murphy's Sir Rowland Hill make most appeal of the remainder but we are happy to side with Holland Park. The son of Roselier showed plenty of promise in three starts last term, notably when second to the useful Tana River at Exeter, and made a winning return at the same venue on New Year's Day when beating Hawk's Landing by two lengths. The longer trip should not inconvenience the seven-year-old who looks a gelding of some potential.
