At The Money made virtually all, hard ridden and stayed on from 2 out, edged left run-in, all out
Court Ruler tracked leaders, upsides 3 out, challenged next, hard ridden run-in, just held
Brave Rebellion held up in rear, headway 7th, went handy 3rd next, stayed on same pace from 2 out
Markington chased leaders, driven 6th, outpaced next, kept on from 2 out without ever threatening
Karathaena prominent, pushed along 5th, outpaced next, no danger after
Flying Doctor held up towards rear, effort 7th, soon beaten
Pass The Class took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next
Analyis of the race
A fair handicap hurdle, but the pace was modest so not the test of stamina it might have been. However, it provided a thrilling finish.
AT THE MONEY was trying his longest trip to date after his encouraging return to hurdles at Sandown earlier this month and was sent off a well-backed favourite. Soon in front, he set just an ordinary pace and travelled very smoothly, but he faced a stern challenge from the runner-up all the way up the home straight. Jumping the last the better of the pair, despitehis rider losing his reins on the run-in he kept responding and just prevailed by the skin of his teeth.
Court Ruler, up 3lb after signalling a possible return to form at Huntingdon last month, was alongside the winner throughout the final circuitbut wasn't travelling as well. However, he kept on for pressure and had he jumped the last better he might have won. He deserves to go one better before too long.
Markington ran a strange race as he gradually lost an early prominent position and looked likely to finish tailed off exiting the back straight, but he then found his second wind and stayed on again. He stays much further than this and seems better on quicker ground.
There was money beforehand for course-specialist Karathaena on this return from four months off, but she never really got involved.
Tote
Tote Win: 0
Tote place (1): 1.7
Tote place (2): 2.2
Exacta: 10.1
CSF: 7.9
Tricast: 30
Total SP: 116
Further Information
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