The Sliotar held up in touch, led 5th, ridden and ran on flat
Openditch with leader, led 4th to 5th, remained prominent, hard ridden and every chance flat, not quicken
April San always prominent, one pace from 2 out
Dynamic Rhythm held up in rear, jumped left 1st, left moderate 4th approaching 2 out
Royal Arms took keen hold towards rear, some headway approaching 9th, weakened approaching 10th
For His Sins held up and behind, mistake 3rd, reminder and headway after 8th, weakened approaching 10th
Woodlands Gem led to 4th, ridden after 7th, weakened 8th
Yes Ses Les pulled hard in rear, hit 6th, tailed off from 10th
Gee Dee held up in touch, weakened 3 out, 4th when pulled up before 2 out
Petite Pistolet always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Smiling Applause prominent, lost place and mistake 5th, ridden and struggling approaching 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Analyis of the race
Just an ordinary gallop to this 3m novice hurdle which looked to concern four - and three of them filled the first three places.
THE SLIOTAR, who did well in the autumn, but was saddled with a double penalty, made a successful return after a break, racing in touch, being kicked for home coming off the home turn and staying on well. His two previous wins were over slightly shorter, and, though this wasn't a true test, he certainly seemed to get this trip well enough and has the scope to make a chaser.
Openditch was also stepping up in trip, and didn't appear to fail through lack of stamina. He was a bit keen early, but raced up with the pace, challenged again two out, and only just lost out in a driving finish. He was rated 5lb inferior to the winner, but was getting 6lb from him, so ran to form.
These three were well clear of Dynamic Rhythm after Gee Dee, the other with an obvious chance in the race, had been pulled up lame at the second-last.
Tote
Tote Win: 3.6
Tote place (1): 2
Tote place (2): 1.6
Tote place (3): 1.1
Exacta: 13.8
CSF: 12.5
Total SP: 120
Further Information
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