held up in 4th, closed 8th, soon went 2nd, not fluent 9th, led approaching 2 out, clear when not fluent at hurdle, edged left flat, easily
tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, closed 8th, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten
led until approaching 3rd, not fluent next, led 5th, pushed along after 9th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, edged left after last
with leader, led approaching 3rd, headed 5th, last 9th, soon behind
Waterski has lost his way over fences and hasn't raced over hurdles for more than two years - he looks out of his depth here. Blenheim Brook looked as though he may be ready for a rest when pulled up in a handicap at Sandown last time and Lucinda Russell's charge looks to have little chance of reversing that form with MIC'S DELIGHT. Victor Dartnall's seven-year-old only failed by the narrowest of margins to complete his hat-trick that day and still looks to be heading in the right direction. There are also definite possibilities about Eight Is My Number, however, who had the proverbial ton in hand when winning a maiden hurdle at Gowran by seven lengths earlier this month.
Blenheim Brook (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, mistake 6th, weakened soon after, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Skint (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4-7yo) (1) gd in Mar, 17 ran.
Eight Is My Number 6-4fav (11-12) Settled behind leaders, 9th halfway, headway into 4th approaching 4 out, 3rd before straight, pushed along to lead 2 out, clear before last, eased run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m 4f mdn hdl beating Taraval (11-7) by 7l, 19 ran.
Mic's Delight (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Chased leader until before 2 out, soon outpaced, stayed on between last 2, chased winner last, strong challenge close home, just failed, 2nd of 17, ns behind Skint (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4-7yo) (1) gd in Mar.
Waterski 200-1 (10-12) With leader, lost place after 8th, weakened 4 out, last of 5, well behind Skippers Brig (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f chs (2) gs in Mar.
