mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace to go 2nd from last
mid-division, ridden and weakened after 7th
in touch, ridden after 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
hit 1st, towards rear, ridden after 5th, weakened 6th, pulled up before next
led to 2nd, prominent until ridden approaching 2 out, one pace
held up last, ridden after 7th, soon weakened
always towards rear, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
chased leader, left in lead 4th, shaken up approaching 2 out, in command when stumbled badly and stopped to walk last, not recover
prominent, ridden and chased leader approaching 2 out, held when left in lead last, pushed out flat
Any good recent form is in short supply for this novices hurdle but a selection must be made and we tip NOSLER to see off challenges from Captain Marlon and Wilkinson. The selection is out of the powerful Nicholls yard and he has a lot to prove but in such lowly and unexposed company may not have a better chance at snatching his first victory over hurdles. The gelding hasn't been seen for five months but is expected to run well fresh and he will appreciate the quick ground here should the track remain dry. Captain Marlon is back to his winning mark over hurdles but a repeat of that 2007 success looks unlikely. His three outings this year have been a little disappointing but he will benefit from the experience and should make the frame here. Tim Vaughn's Wilkinson fell at the fifth in a maiden hurdle at the last time of asking. This was his first outing for five months and he was running well but whether it was of any benefit to the gelding remains to be seen. This may prove to be a race needed to rebuild confidence but a place finish in this modest company looks achievable. The remainder have little to offer but Sir Harry Cool and Fortification will take some benefit from having already raced this year but much improvement is needed if they are to pose a serious threat to the selection, Nosler.
Captain Marlon (IRE) 4-1 (10-3) Reared, hit 2nd, struggling after 8th, struggling when jumped badly left 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, well behind Consigliere (11-10) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Feb.
Corton Copse 100-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, soon prominent, lost place 6f out, soon behind, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Tara Two Hills (10-0) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gf in Jul.
Feels Right 200-1 (10-13) In touch, reminder after 2nd, lost place after 4th, weakened after next, 13th of 15, well behind Burton Port (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Fortification (USA) 18-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 9th, 6th of 9, 15l behind Quaddick Lake (11-7) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) fm in Mar.
Jayjay Valentine 66-1 (10-12) Mistake 4th, always towards rear, 7th of 13, well behind Shalone (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Moonlight Cantor (IRE) 150-1 (11-2) Led, headed 2nd, ridden and weakened 6th, 8th of 11, well behind Santia (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Murphy's Mate 40-1 (10-11) Tracking leaders when fell 1st, in a race won by Quick Fix (11-0) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (4) gd, 9 ran.
Normandy Landings 7-1 (10-13) Led briefly, raced on outside, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 16, well behind Cross Kennon (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn NH flat (4) gs in Nov.
Nosler (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 6th until approaching 2 out, soon hung left and beaten, 6th of 13, 18l behind Wessex King (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Sir Harry Cool 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, 37l behind Spanish Cruise (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
Wilkinson (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) In rear when fell 5th, in a race won by Horseford Hill (10-11) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gd, 14 ran.
