chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, went 2nd just inside final furlong, no chance with winner
held up, smooth headway over 4f out, challenged on bit 3f out, led going easily 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, soon clear
settled in 4th, went 2nd 8f out, led 3f out, ridden, headed 2f out, chased winner but no chance until lost 2nd just inside final furlong
led, ridden, headed 3f out, outpaced final 2f
tracked leaders to 8f out, weakened over 4f out, tailed off
Notre Cyborg need not be anything special to collect and can do so, with Beths Choice taken to chase him home. It looks as though Paul Nicholls has scared most of the intended opposition away, with just six of the 22 overnight declarations standing their ground. His record in bumpers speaks for itself, and although Notre Cyborg might not be in the premier division at Ditcheat, he will almost certainly be good enough to score at the first time of asking in a run-of-the-mill affair such as this. As the name suggests he is by prolific sire Cyborg, and is a half-brother to Musica Belle, a Listed hurdles winner in France. He cost 50,000gns and should have no trouble repaying that in time. Those to have raced so far look nothing out of the ordinary and so it could well be left to Beths Choice to give him most to do. Milton Bradley does not have too many under this code, and the few that he does are normally placed to good effect, so this son of Midnight Legend is worth noting. All credit to connections for at least having the guts to take on Notre Cyborg who is an unoriginal but obvious selection.
Beths Choice Midnight Legend horse, half-brother to winners over hurdles and fences.
Notre Cyborg (FR) Cyborg gelding, half-brother to a useful winning jumper in France.
A Sea Commander (GER) 33-1 (10-9) Took keen hold early, always in rear, 11th of 16, 31l behind Burnt Oak (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs in Jan.
Just Poppytee 33-1 (9-12) Held up in touch, ridden 5f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 30l behind Rhacophorus (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) gs in Jan.
Kelly Bidewell Wace filly out of an unraced mare.
Lagan Legend 14-1 (11-0) Led, ridden and headed over 4f out, weakened 3f out, 9th of 14, 30l behind Rhacophorus (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) gs in Jan.
