Expert Analysis

A race of little substance, second and fourth useful at best and Strong Leader much more forward it would seem than Langer Dan, and therefore able to add to his Liverpool Hurdle win, readily rather than easily. It was quite a steadily-run affair on ground that was nearer soft than good to soft, the winner’s final 4f of 54.95s equal to a 109.2% finishing speed).

STRONG LEADER (h149 here, 158 previously) took this readily, though it proved to be fairly easy pickings with his main rival under-performing, mostly in second until leading before 2 out, rather messy at the last 2 and asserting under pressure on the run-in. He should do well enough in staying hurdles this season while likely to need to find a good few lengths to win the really big races in this division.

MONMIRAL (h144 here and previously) ran well without necessarily improving on his recent form in handicaps, travelling OK in third mostly, challenging 2 out but making a mistake at the last then one paced for pressure.

LANGER DAN (h136+ here, 160 previously) was very easy to back and ran as if in need of the run at a trip that may be beyond him anyway, travelling and jumping well in last until a brief effort going to 2 out then emptying. He ended last season better than ever with placed efforts behind Impaire Et Passe at Aintree and Sandown.

FLIGHT DECK (h132 here and previously)