4 lengths 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 10th
In a small field Here's Johnny should have the class to win this with Hennessy likely to grab the forecast position. The selection was a very good novice hurdler last year winning three times. He comes from a yard doing really well at present and was impressive with his jumping when winning on his chase debut at Uttoxeter earlier in the month. Hennessey won on his seasonal reappearance also but has his debut over fences here. Ascot can take some jumping and therefore he may well improve for the experience. Labelthou can also be a danger as this top class staying hurdler comes from an in form yard and is to be noted in the betting market on his chase debut. But for the winner we return to Here's Johnny to land the spoils.
Hennessy (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Made all, quickened 2 out, driven out flat, won at Lingfield 2m 7f nov hdl (4) sft in Oct beating Corker (10-12) by 5l, 12 ran.
Labelthou (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Led to 4th, chased leader to 3 out, weakened soon after, 8th of 14, 34l behind Inglis Drever (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Here's Johnny (IRE) 11-4fav (10-12) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, went 2nd 13th, jumped right and rider lost iron briefly 3 out, led final 100 yards, won at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd beating Nikola (11-3) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
