led, headed after 1st, led again 2nd, hit 3 out, headed 2 out, no extra run-in
tracked leaders and keen, hampered 3rd, led and hit 2 out, soon ridden, mistake last, kept on, caught post
pulled hard, led after 1st, headed and not fluent 2nd, weakened after 3 out
held up in rear and keen, headway 6th, ridden approaching and hit 2 out, one pace
tracked leaders and keen, jumped slow 1st, soon settled in touch, pushed along after 3 out, no impression
held up behind and keen, hit 3 out, soon pushed along, never dangerous
held up in touch, ridden to challenge last, kept on to lead post
Union Island, Beau Fighter and AVIADOR appear to be the three to concentrate on here and a chance is taken with Lucy Wadham's runner despite him being the only one of the trio without prior experience of hurdling. His form in bumpers stands up well and his proven ability to handle soft ground is a big plus with conditions likely to be testing. The lack of proven form under similar conditions is a concern for Union Island (whose yard won this race last year) as is the way that he faded tamely on his hurdling bow at Market Rasen, albeit in a decent race. Beau Fighter is the one to beat having made the frame behind Notus De La Tour and Salden Licht over course and distance; underfoot conditions are no problem, cheekpieces may bring about some improvement and he looks to hold very solid claims.
Aviador (GER) 9-1 (10-11) Prominent, ridden 3f out, no impression on front pair over 1f out, 3rd of 15, 9l behind Rose Of The Moon (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Oct.
Beau Fighter 11-10fav (11-1) Mid-division, pushed along and weakened after 3 out, behind and eased when pulled up before last, in a race won by General Kutuzov (11-4) at Lingfield 2m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan, 11 ran.
Drummers Drumming (USA) 10-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 8, 9l behind Chocolate Caramel (8-12) at Catterick 1m 6f 4yo sell stks (6) gf in Jun (flat).
Golden Prospect 25-1 (9-10) Steadied start, keen held up, never near leaders, 9th of 14, 13l behind Broughtons Dream (8-12) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Oct (flat).
Mister Fantastic 40-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, not fluent, some headway approaching 2 out, never on terms, 4th of 10, 31l behind Paint The Clouds (11-0) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Street Devil (USA) 14-1 (10-12) Mid-division, took keen hold, hampered 1st, not fluent 5th, hung right and weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Mallusk (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov '09.
Union Island (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) In touch, chased winner after 3 out, no impression when lost 2nd before 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 10, 40l behind Karasenir (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Sep.
