not fluent, close up in chasing group, ridden 7th, weakened next, pulled up before 2 out
chased clear leader, closed to lead 2 out, ridden out
taken to post early, in touch in chasing group, ridden 4 out, stayed on to press for 2nd close home
led and soon well clear, reduced lead after 3 out, headed next, tiring run in and just held on to 2nd
ADMIRAL HAWKE would have completed a hat-trick over hurdles at Southwell last month had he not taken an uncharacteristic tumble at the second-last. In the hope he treats fences with more respect, Brian Ellison's charge can recoup losses here. A Tail Of Intrigue is in good form and should be thereabouts if his jumping holds up as he doesn't look badly treated. Lysino was only beaten half-a-length off this mark at Newton Abbot while Knight Of Pleasure was quite highly tried over timber last season. The four-year-old Town Mouse won here over hurdles last year so can't be ruled out.
Admiral Hawke (IRE) 5-4fav (11-5) With leader, led 2nd, ridden before 2 out, in command when fell 2 out, in a race won by Minella Hero (10-12) at Southwell 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Sep, 4 ran.
A Tail Of Intrigue (IRE) 5-2fav (11-13) Tracked leaders in 3rd until 3 out, one pace, 4th of 6, 12l behind Kodicil (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Sep.
Town Mouse 20-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, disputing lead until headed after 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 10, 22l behind Cool Sky (10-12) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Sep.
Lysino (GER) 15-8fav (11-9) Shared 2nd, led and not fluent 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on, held close home, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Going Concern (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Sep.
Knight Of Pleasure 20-1 (11-2) Held up in mid-division, not fluent 4th, pushed along after 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before next, in a race won by Baltimore Rock (10-12) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) sft in Mar, 14 ran.
