led sole rival, clear from 2 out, coasted home
tracked sole rival, not fluent 6th, niggled along after 3 out, ridden and well held from next
Bumper winner MONSIEUR ARKADIN posted his best effort so far over hurdles when runner-up at Stratford last month. Well clear of his only rival on these terms, Tim Vaughan’s charge should have no trouble seeing off any challenge from Oriental Fixer, whose best effort so far was a well beaten fourth at Ludlow in November.
Monsieur Arkadin (FR) 3-1 (11-3) Tracked leader until after 2nd, stayed handy, 2nd again after 2 out, tried to close last, kept on but always just held, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Potters Approach (11-12) at Stratford 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Oriental Fixer (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, mistake 8th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 6, dist behind Honkytonktennessee (11-8) at Stratford 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Apr.