always prominent, challenged 5 out, ridden and 2 lengths down after 3 out, rallied and almost upsides last, kept on, just got better of sustained duel near finish
chased leaders to 7th, behind, struggling 14th, no danger after, weakened 3 out, pulled up next
not always fluent, led narrowly to 4th, remained prominent, outpaced by clear pair 5 out, kept on but no danger after
raced keenly, with leaders, led 4th, ridden 2 lengths clear after 3 out, joined last, stayed on gamely, just lost out in sustained duel near finish
chased leaders, reminders after 5th, ridden after 15th, soon outpaced, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
chased leaders to 6th, behind, no danger after, tailed off 4 out
chased leaders, struggling 14th, never going pace to get back on terms, tailed off 3 out, pulled up next
Virak is unbeaten between the flags and under Rules since joining Rose Loxton in December. A former Grade 2 winner, he’s becoming a force in this sphere but HAZEL HILL is impossible to oppose. Winner of the Foxhunter over course and distance at The Festival when well supported, he is 4-4 over fences and that March form was franked when third Top Wood won the Aintree equivalent last month. Path To Freedom has been coming along nicely in points but has yet to replicate the form in hunter chases.
Hazel Hill (IRE) 7-2fav (12-0) Held up in touch, tracked leaders after 5 out, ridden into 2nd approaching 2 out, led before last, clear when when slightly hampered by loose horse flat, driven out, kept on, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f (2) gs in Mar beating Shantou Flyer (12-0) by 4l, 24 ran.
Master Baker 5-2 (12-4) In touch, closed on leaders 8th, headway and went 3rd at 14th, ridden 2 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 15l behind Risk A Fine (12-4) at Stratford 2m 7f (5) gd in Apr.
Virak (FR) 8-11fav (12-4) Disputed lead until led after 5 out, drew clear from next, easily, won at Ludlow 3m (5) gd in Apr beating Now Ben (11-10) by dist, 2 ran.
Caryto Des Brosses (FR) 2-7fav (12-4) Made all; unchall, won at Fakenham 3m gd in Apr beating Steeles Terrace (12-0) by 15l, 3 ran.
Kelvingrove (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) (cp) prom til wknd app 2 out, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Now Ben (11-11) at Hereford P-t-p Course 3m gd in Apr.
Gran Paradiso (IRE) 13-2 (12-0) Behind, took closer order 8th, went modest 3rd 4 out, kept on under pressure from last, never threatened front pair, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Sausalito Sunrise (12-0) at Hexham 3m (6) gd in Apr.
Path To Freedom (IRE) 4-6fav (12-5) A.p; led 13-15; rallied to ld final 50yds, won at Hornby Castle 3m gf in Apr beating Young Hurricane (12-5) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
