A race that has gone to some good types over the years – including Bravemansgame, Stage Star and Hermes Allen in the last 3 – but which does not always represent top novice form, and that may well be the case again here, Captain Teague making it 4 in a row for trainer Paul Nicholls with a useful, rather than better, effort, little separating the first 4 home. One notable feature was a strong pace for ground that was somewhere between “heavy” and “soft” judged on times, resulting in a really attritional finish, Captain Teague’s 66.29s for the final half-mile coming out at a 93.1% finishing speed.
CAPTAIN TEAGUE (h143+2 here, 141 previously) is steadily making into a very useful performer, the best of him possibly to be seen when he goes over fences in due course. He was good enough to win this, however, and probably had a bit up his sleeve, tracking the pace travelling well, less than fluent 3 and 2 out but leading between the last 2, jumping right and wandering/having to be ridden right out. He should be suited by 3m before long.
LOOKAWAY (h141 here, 143 previously) ran another fine race, the Greatwood Hurdle he was runner-up in the time before representing particularly strong form, setting a good pace and jumping well, driven on again after 3 out and refusing to lie down when headed between the last 2.
THE JUKEBOX MAN (h141 here, 120 previously) had won both his previous hurdle races but surpassed that form by some way here, always prominent and coming again at the death despite tending to edge left.
JOHNNYWHO (h141 here, 120+ previously) finished best of all in what was a slow-motion run-in and may do better, though it was his inability to get going sooner that was his downfall. He was held up in touch, asked before 2 out and stayed on at the death. He should be suited by 3m.
MASACCIO (h132 here and previously) had a bit on his plate and ran creditably, looking like dropping away 4 out but sticking on.
BULLETS HILL (h0 here and previously)
FARNOGE (h0 here, 132 previously) had something to find but ran no sort of race and probably wasn’t himself for whatever reason.
WILLMOUNT (h0 here, 137+ previously) went as if not right, afterwards found to have lost a shoe, a bit free and tracking the pace until quickly beaten after 4 out.
BRAVE JEN (h0 here, 128 previously)
