chased leaders, ridden and weakened 2 out
chased leaders, hit 2 out, ridden and weakened soon after
led, headed 2 out, soon ridden, weakened before last
took keen hold, mostly chased leader, led 2 out, joined before last, mistake went left and headed last, weakened flat
settled last, smooth headway to track leaders travelling well 3 out, challenged on bit 2 out, led last, ridden and quickened clear flat, easily
Higgy's Ragazzo has won both starts over timber at Market Rasen but this represents a significant step up in grade and Nicky Henderson's gelding may find fellow four-year-old THIRD INTENTION too hot to handle. The latter's form in some of the season's top juvenile contests, including a staying-on seventh in the Triumph Hurdle here last month, stands up to close scrutiny and he can gain a deserved second success today. Current Event won easily at Newbury after a break and could give the selection most to do as the older horses have a bit to find at the weights.
Occasionally Yours (IRE) 40-1 (9-13) Chased leaders on inside, ridden well before 2 out, stayed on well from last, took 3rd final 150 yards, 3rd of 17, 4l behind Skint (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4-7yo) (1) gd in Mar.
Smart Catch (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, driven to lead before 2 out, headed approaching last, soon rallied, kept on well under pressure, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Shuil Royale (11-0) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Current Event (FR) 15-8 (10-7) Tracked leader after 1st, not fluent 5th, led 3 out, clear last, ran on well, easily, won at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar beating Fontano (10-11) by 18l, 7 ran.
Higgy's Ragazzo (FR) 11-8fav (10-13) Tracked leaders, challenged after 3 out, led before next, not fluent last, very easily, not extended, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd beating King Fingal (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 14 ran.
Third Intention (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Blundered 1st, mid-division on inside, ridden to chase leaders after 2 out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 7th of 23, 10l behind Zarkandar (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Dona 66-1 (10-4) Always towards rear, 15th of 24, 39l behind Alarazi (10-3) at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (0-150) (1) gd in Mar.