Expert Analysis

This is often the weakest of the 3 non-sex-restricted novice hurdles at the Festival, and that is probably the case again this year, though, as previously, there may be some in there who will do significantly better in the longer-term. It was run at a somewhat false pace, with 2nd, 1st and 3rd filling the first 3 positions in the early part of the race, and few got into it in the closing stages. The winner’s final 4f passed in 59.71s for a 107.1% finishing speed.

STELLAR STORY (h149 here, 139 previously) had looked exposed as useful but found a fair bit of improvement to land this important contest, always in the first 2, tapped for toe as the second quickened on again between the last 2, awkward at the last, but responding most generously to hard driving to lead on the line. Even this was barely enough of a test of stamina due to the somewhat false pace, and he could have more to give as it is drawn out, presumably including over fences.

THE JUKEBOX MAN (h149 here, 136 previously) received a most enterprising ride, only just failing to hold on and seeming to show himself as very useful. He led, mostly by a few lengths despite not going quickly, was kicked on again after the second-last and looked like winning as he led by about 4 lengths (touched 33/1 on in-running), only to falter halfway up the run-in and be caught in the shadow of the post. He looks the type to take to fences come the time.

DANCING CITY (h143 here, 148 previously) could not quite match the form of his Dublin Racing Festival win, in third/fourth most of the way but unable to pull out more from between the last 2.

SPREAD BOSS TED (h142 here, 135 previously) came from further back than those who beat him but was making no further ground late on and can be credited with a useful and improved performance in any case.

LECKY WATSON (h142 here, 144 previously) ran creditably in a first-time hood, in mid-field and a bit further back than ideal when things really heated up, but one paced when it mattered. He has managed to win just one race, bumpers and hurdles, tending to be quite highly tried, but can be expected to rectify that in time.

GIDLEIGH PARK (h135 here, 143 previously) was below form, if not by a lot, and seemed to find 3m too far at this stage, going freely held up and no further impression from the second-last.

SEARCH FOR GLORY (h134 here, 142 previously) ran respectably at best, this time in blinkers, always around the same place.

JOHNNYWHO (h127 here, 136 previously) disappointed, especially as this trip had seemed likely to suit him, showing up well until 2 out then finding little.

DRIPSEY MOON (h123 here, 128 previously)

CAPTAIN TEAGUE (h0 here, 142 previously) finished so weakly that it might have been down to more than not staying (had looked likely to beforehand). He had beaten the runner-up here at Newbury the time before.

CHIGORIN (h0 here, 126 previously)

HIGH CLASS HERO (h0 here, 148 previously) was more exposed than most but should have fared a good deal better, always behind.

READIN TOMMY WRONG (h0 here, 148 previously) was beaten so quickly going to 2 out that all might not have been well, though he had gone quite keenly at stages before that at a trip he looked like staying.