led to 2nd, stayed prominent, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, kept on to go 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
in touch, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
pulled hard, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
prominent, led 2nd, jumped left 5th, clear when mistake 2 out, easily
chased leaders, blundered 4th and 5th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 6th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened next
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Forbearing gets our vote here ahead of Don Valentino, Mendosino and Guarded Secret. The selection, an eight-time winner on the Flat at up to 12 furlongs when with Sir Mark Prescott, has to be afforded plenty of respect in the hands of Martin Pipe on his hurdling debut. Don Valentino stepped up on an indifferent hurdling debut to score at Haydock last time. Much as the form of that race is probably modest, this Polish import has the physique to improve. Five Pence has shown little in two starts, while Orinocovsky won over a mile at Warwick in June 2002 from a mark of 65 but failed to progress when upped in trip. German import Mendosino showed some promise in his native land and, now with Venetia Williams, should be noted in the betting. Magical Liaison showed some promise in bumpers but others are preferred on his hurdling bow. French import Lorient Express showed little on his British hurdling debut at Cheltenham. Now a six-year-old, Guarded Secret has won twice on the Flat but at a modest level, although he proved he stays 12 furlongs. Overall, the usually reliable formula of following the champion trainer is adhered to here, and we'll side with Forbearing.
