chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next
hampered 1st, chased leader until 3rd, weakened after 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
raced wide, always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd briefly and ridden approaching 2 out, soon one pace, hit last
raced wide, mid-division, headway 5th, went 3rd next, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, very easily
always behind, tailed off
held up towards rear, good headway after 3 out, ridden and went 3rd next, soon one pace
mid-division, hit 4th, weakend quickly 6th, tailed off
held up towards rear, some progress under pressure after 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3rd, led after 3 out, headed before next, hung left approaching last, no chance with easy winner
always towards rear, tailed off
jumped left throughout, led, not fluent 1st and 2nd, ridden after 7th, headed after 3 out, soon beaten
This appears the stronger of the two maiden hurdle divisions and Von Galen who appeared to be given an ill-judged ride at Newbury is selected on the evidence of a very promising racecourse debut at Newbury in January. Showing signs of inexperience and possibly lack of fitness, Von Galen failed to peg back the progressive Or Bleu who has recently scored off a mark of 116. Von Galen appeared to be given far too much to do at Newbury in what was a hot novice hurdle. This looks easier and the former exciting Irish point-to-pointer Von Galen is taken to land this. Earth Planet sets the standard and appears the danger to Von Galen. Underfoot conditions are not likely to be in his favour though as his best form is when 'good' is in the going description. His form ties with top staying novice Cryptic around Wincanton read well but he could well have been flattered to get so close to that horse. Broughton Green makes his hurdling debut after winning a Uttoxeter bumper in early December. Nibbled at in the market for that event, he obviously was showing positive signs with his homework. The form of that bumper has worked out exceptionally well with the second Pettifour winning two novice hurdles this season in impressive style, the third also winning and the fourth victorious in two bumpers since. He obviously is a horse of some potential on that basis so market moves should be taken on board hailing from a yard that have finally started to hit some form. It is an interesting maiden hurdle but Von Galen made a very good impression in Irish point-to-points and subsequently at Newbury on his first start and looks exciting. He is the selection.
Alasao 100-1 (11-0) Always behind, no impression, 8th of 13, well behind Artadi (10-11) at Taunton 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar '07.
Ashby Jo (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, behind when hampered 3 out, 11th of 14, well behind Tamadot (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) hvy.
Broughton Green (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Prominent, lost position 5f out, close up again 3f out, led 2f out, kept on well, won at Warwick 2m nhf (5) sft in Dec beating Pettifour (10-13) by 2 1/2l, 18 ran.
Cashel Blue (USA) 25-1 (11-1) Hampered and unseated rider in race won by Hinton Thunderbolt (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft, 10 ran.
Earth Planet (IRE) 13-8fav (11-3) Towards rear, headway 7th, ridden and weakened 4 out, 6th of 14, 30l behind Stop The Show (10-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Feb.
Fortification (USA) 3-1fav (10-8) Tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, keeping on same pace when badly hampered flat, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Latalanta (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Kayf Aramis 14-1 (11-0) Never fluent, soon in rear, no chance when pulled up at the 7th in race won by Sound Accord (11-0) at Newbury 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan, 20 ran.
Marlowe (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) In touch, weakened 7th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Wind Instrument (11-0) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) gs in Feb, 16 ran.
Saucy Bingo (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, mistake 6th, soon dropped rear, behind when mistake 7th, 8th of 14, well behind Tamadot (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) hvy.
Von Galen (IRE) 7-2fav (10-9) Mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, kept on same pace from 2 out, 7th of 18, 14l behind Pettifour (11-4) at Newbury 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Dar Es Salaam 33-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 5, 17l behind Prince du Seuil (11-0) at Warwick 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Rock All (DEN) 9-2 (10-7) Led until after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last, 4th of 12, 18l behind Bremen (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) gs.
