led, 10 lengths clear and in command when pecked and unseated rider 2 out
held up in mid-division, outpaced 3 out, some headway when ridden and left 2nd 2 out, led soon after last, pushed out flat
mid-division, lost touch 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden and effort to go 3rd 3 out, left in lead 2 out, headed soon after last, no extra flat
mid-division, ridden and weakened after 3 out, left poor 4th 2 out, went 3rd approaching last
pulled early and held up in touch, weakened approaching 5th, pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased leader and jumped right 1st, ridden after 3 out, left 3rd 2 out, weakening in 4th when fell last
pulled early and chased leader, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, left poor 4th last
always behind, lost touch 4th, tailed off and unseated rider last
Division two of the novices' hurdle throws up another short-priced favourite in the shape of Blu Teen who should oblige at the expense of Polonius, Xcentra and Magic Merlin. Blu Teen should have made a successful British debut at Chepstow in December, but fell at the last when well clear, and it was no surprise when the French-bred made amends later that month at Lingfield. He has since taken on better company in a Grade 2 contest at Sandown and was caught out by the pace when fourth at Uttoxeter last month. This drop back in trip, better ground and lesser opponents means that there will be no excuses for the Paul Nicholls inmate and he should easily defy a penalty. Polonius, a one-time progressive sort on the Flat for Henry Candy, has had three runs on the all-weather this year since joining Paul Webber, and now makes his debut over timber. He could improve for the switch but is best watched unless the market speaks strongly in his favour. Xcentra has looked nothing out of the ordinary so far, while Magic Merlin was moderate on the level and returns from a break. Blu Teen has obvious claims and will take all the beating.
Blu Teen (FR) 11-4 (11-8) Led to 4th, led again approaching 8th to 9th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakening when hit 2 out, 4th of 10, 24l behind Brankley Boy (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Dreams Jewel 100-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, 11th of 13, well behind Acambo (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (D) gf in Nov.
Durnovaria (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Mid-division until 7f out, soon beaten, 14th of 18, well behind Noland (10-10) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gs in Mar '05.
Magic Merlin 9-1 (9-2) With leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 13, 11l behind Bazelle (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan (Flat).
Night Warrior (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Led and keen, narrowly headed 6th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 16, 15l behind Twist Bookie (11-1) at Ludlow 2m nov clm hdl (F) gs in Dec.
Polonius 13-2 (9-1) Held up, in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon hung left and weakened, last of 7, 10l behind Mina A Salem (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 60-92 (4) pol in Mar (Flat).
Superfling 33-1 (9-3) Led early, prominent over 3f, soon weakened, last of 12, 21l behind Kew The Music (9-6) at W'hampton 7f stk (G4) pol in Nov '04 (Flat).
Xcentra 20-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, some progress 6th, ridden and weakened 2 out, 6th of 12, 22l behind Traprain (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd.
