tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, left 3rd last, kept on running, no chance with winner
held up in touch, headway 4 out, slight lead next, ridden 2 out, ridden and slight advantage when fell last
tracked leader, led briefly approaching 3 out, ridden and every chance next, challenging when left clear last
mid-division, weakened after 4 out
held up in rear, headway under pressure after 4 out, weakened next, behind when blundered 2 out
mid-division, headway after 4 out, ridden and effort approaching 3 out, left 2nd when mistake last, hampered and no extra run in
towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
pulled hard in touch, lost place halfway, behind when pulled up before 3 out
raced keen, led and soon clear, headed approaching 3 out, weakening when blundered next
mid-division, headway 4 out, effort approaching 3 out, outpaced before next
raced keen towards rear, pushed along 4 out, no further progress
A good field has been assembled for this juvenile novice hurdle and it will be very interesting to note which of the newcomers to the National Hunt arena are supported in their quest to get off the mark at the first time of asking. However, Kentucky Blue won with enough in hand on his timber debut to suggest that he is one to keep on the right side of for the time being and the Tim Easterby-trained three-year-old edges a slender vote over the French raider, Aristoxene and King Revo - although Sun Cat is also very much respected and has to be considered in any betting plans if the prices permit an each way play as well. But Kentucky Blue has some valuable course experience to his name and, considering his trainer's excellent record with hurdles at this course, he sets a fair standard for the rest to aim for.
