tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, 2nd after 4th until not fluent 7th, soon ridden, relegated to last after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
keen early, held up off the pace in 5th, closed approaching 2 out, left 2nd briefly on bend before last, weakened flat
raced wide, always prominent, led approaching 2 out, drifted right before last, driven flat, stayed on gamely
always prominent, hanging left on bend approaching last, stayed on under pressure towards finish
led, hit 9th, soon pushed along, headed approaching 2 out, weakened after 2 out
There may be a small field going to post here but it is a really competitive contest where all five have chances but we marginally side with HILLS OF ARAN with Blazing Bailey and Definity expected to be in close attendance. The selection has two valuable handicaps to his name this season including the Blue Square Hurdle at Haydock. His last run was better than the bare result suggests as it came after just two days rest and his consistency in big races is more than a positive. Blazing Bailey was a little outclassed in the World Hurdle this season after not quite reproducing his form of the previous campaign. Still more than capable of winning a race like this on his day he needs to be respected. Definity has plenty to find according to the official ratings but has won his both starts so far in good style and it might be he's not finished yet and could improve enough to challenge. Tazbar was behind Blazing Bailey in the World Hurdle but his previous efforts have him in with a chance while Franchoek as been a little disappointing this season but if on his game is a threat. Ultra competitive stuff this where the vote lands in the saddle of Hills Of Aran.
Blazing Bailey 28-1 (11-10) In touch, miskes 5th and 8th, outpaced 9th, struggling from 3 out, 8th of 14, 33l behind Big Buck's (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Franchoek (IRE) 40-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway after 4th, weakened 3 out, 14th of 15, well behind Solwhit (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) gs.
Tazbar (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, pushed along and last 6th, losing touch from 9th, 12th of 14, well behind Big Buck's (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Definity (IRE) 8-11fav (11-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd 6th, led well before 3 out, ridden and joined last, drew clear flat, won at Newbury 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Feb beating Punjabi Army (11-2) by 4l, 7 ran.
Hills Of Aran 66-1 (11-7) Led 1st, headed 5th, led again before next, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching last, 7th of 15, 20l behind Solwhit (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) gs.
