chased leading pair throughout, pushed along and outpaced on extended run-in
chased leaders on long run to 1st, pushed along in modest 4th and struggling before last (normal 3 out), lost 4th last strides
chased winner throughout, ridden and outpaced on extended run-in
chased leaders, weakened 2 out (normal 4 out)
always towards rear, never on terms
towards rear, some late minor headway, never on terms
always behind, never a factor, tailed off
raced keenly, made all, clear last (normal 3 out), unchallenged
chased leaders, weakened before 2 out, (normal 4 out)
chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced in 5th before last (normal 3 out), went modest 4th last strides
always behind, pushed along and struggling going out on final circuit, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, (normal 4 out)
DELIRE D’ESTRUVAL is one of three winners penalised in this but he’s still weighted to beat both the maiden hurdle winners, New To This Town and Landin, having won a Listed novices hurdle at Haydock last month - Ben Pauling’s charge can go in again. Cintex may well improve past the latter pair on these terms given he finished runner-up at Uttoxeter during the summer but it’s difficult to make a case for any of the remainder on their form over hurdles so far.
Delire D'Estruval (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Led, hard pressed 2 out, ridden and headed narrowly flat, rallied gamely to regain lead towards finish, won at Haydock 2m lst (1) hvy in Nov beating Midnight Shadow (11-0) by nk, 7 ran.
Landin (GER) 15-8 (11-5) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4th until after 3 out, chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd again before 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 19l behind Tikkanbar (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov.
New To This Town (IRE) 4-7fav (11-0) Led before 1st, not fluent 3rd, soon headed, pushed along briefly before 4th, ridden after 6th, edged right towards carried out horse before 3 out but left upsides, led before last, edged left flat, stayed on, won at Ludlow 2m mdn (4) gs in Nov beating Awake At Midnight (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 16 ran.
Cintex (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear and keen, headway before 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, kept on and always held, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Ahead of The Curve (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f mdn (5) gd in Jul.
Mickieblueeyes (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, mistakes 6th, mistake and lost place, next, soon behind, tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Tikkanbar (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) gs in Nov.
Neyja Blue (FR) Blue Bresil gelding out of Laura's Dream.
Ring Minella (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, tailed off, 10th of 16, dist behind First Flow (10-12) at Lingfield 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Sam Brown 6-5fav (10-12) Keen, tracked leaders, joined leader just after 3 out, ridden next, weakened before last, 4th of 11, dist behind Red River (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 5f (4) gd in Oct.
Waikiki Waves (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, struggling 5th, never going pace to trouble leaders, 6th of 10, dist behind Solomon Grey (10-12) at Plumpton 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Angel of Harlem 5-2 (10-0) Made most until 7f out, weakened 5f out, last of 8, dist behind Jaunty Warrior (11-1) at Ffos Las 2m (6) hvy in Mar.
Jolly Jet (IRE) Arcadio M out of Boarding Pass.
