tracked leading pair, ridden approaching 3 out, soon no impression
set moderate pace, not fluent 3 out, clear when not fluent last, ridden out
held up, chased winner 9th, ridden approaching 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon outpaced
held up in last, mistake 7th, mistake 8th, weakened next
Possextown gets the confident vote here with Hunting Lodge and Ar An Shron rated as the main dangers. The selection won emphatically over this course and distance when beating Legal Glory last time. He is clearly in good heart at present and with ground conditions again to suit he is difficult to oppose. Hunting Lodge returns to hurdling after a disappointing effort on the level at Kempton last time. He had previously won well at Newton Abbot and the fitting of blinkers seems to bring out the best in him as does his young pilot. He will be the one to profit if our selection fails to fire. Ar An Shron is an interesting newcomer from a top yard and he is one to note in the market on his belated racecourse debut. It will be a surprise if the others are good enough to get competitive and for the winner we are happy to return to Possextown.
Hunting Lodge (IRE) 7-1 (9-10) Took keen hold, tracked leader from 3rd, left in lead 6th, headed and hit 2 out, soon led again, driven out, won at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Jun beating Grey Brother (11-7) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Possextown (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Chased leader, led 2nd, clear 2 out, easily, won at Worcester 3m nov hdl (4) gf in Jul beating Legal Glory (10-4) by 11l, 13 ran.
Ar An Shron Alderbrook gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler/chasers Stan's Your Man and Thosewerethedays.
Barton Dream (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Chased leader, led approaching 5th, headed 3 out, weakening when mistake last, 4th of 16, 20l behind Dancing Hill (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Jul.
Tanning 50-1 (10-0) Held up in touch, losing place when hit 6th, soon behind, 8th of 12, 29l behind M'lord (11-10) at Stratford 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
