Fistral chased leaders, driven 3f out, led final furlong, held on towards finish
Abstinence soon tracking leader, led approaching 3f out, wandered, headed final furlon, no extra towards finish
Terenzium prominent, driven along 3f out, stayed on same pace approaching final furlong
Haatmey with leaders, challenged 2f out, faded final furlong
Starstruck Peter tracked leaders, challenging when not fluent 3f out, weakening when not fluent in final furlong
Wood Fern held up towards rear, headway 6th, chasing leaders next, weakened in final furlong
Amarillo Slim in rear, detached 6th, stayed on from next, jumped badly right in final furlong, kept on
Capparoe Cross led until approaching 3f out, weakened 2f out
Follow On took keen hold, soon tracking leaders, hit 5th, lost place next, soon behind
Analyis of the race
Modest form at best among the more exposed contenders for this maiden hurdle and the fact that most of the field finished in something of a heap adds to the impression that these were not a great bunch.
FISTRAL probably did not need to improve much on the firm he had been showing to be placed in this type of grade previously but he is settling better nowadays and saw the trip out well, leading at the final flight and just holding on. It will be a modest novice hurdle in which he is able to defy a penalty, so his future probably lies in handicaps - and he would not be obviously well treated off his current BHB mark of 105.
Abstinence may turn out to be the most talented performer in this line-up but he is far from straightforward. This NH Flat race winner had pulled too hard on both previous tries over hurdles, and though less keen here he wandered in front after leading before three out and was headed at the last, no extra near finish. He certainly has the ability to win over hurdles but isstill one to have reservations about.
Starstruck Peter ran a little better on this return to a sound surface, while Wood Fern was not at all disgraced as he had something to find on his recent form in handicaps.
Tote
Tote Win: 5
Tote place (1): 2.6
Tote place (2): 2.9
Tote place (3): 1.1
Exacta: 41
CSF: 46.2
Total SP: 115
Further Information
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