mid-division until dropped rear 5th, never able to get on terms after
chased leaders until after 5th, behind when hit 2 out
held up, headway 5th, every chance after 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
chased leaders, went 3rd after 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon one pace
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, stayed on, no chance with winner
chased leader, led approaching 2 out, quickened clear approaching last, ran on well
led, hit 5th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up, ridden after 3 out, stayed on to go 4th after last, never going pace to challenge
mistake 1st, mid-division until weakened after 5th
Francheok is an interesting contender as he bids to emulate his stablemate Katchit who took this race last year before going on to win the Triumph Hurdle, however Sainte Kadette was impressive on his British debut and he gets the vote. David Pipe's charge won over the course and distance on debut and whilst this is tougher company, he must be afforded utmost respect with Tony McCoy booked for the ride as an added bonus. Paco Jack has been in good form over in Ireland and is sure to have his followers with Ruby Walsh on board, whilst Won In The Dark also boasts some solid if unspectacular Irish form. Tinagoodnight is well-thought-of at the Henderson stable and was impressive when winning at Kempton, beating the reopposing Callisto Moon comfortably and there is no real reason for those placings to change. Falcon's Fire and Lemon Silk have both made pleasing starts to their hurdling career, whilst Bantry Bere needs respect from the local and wildly in-form Twiston-Davies yard. Franchoek was impressive when beating trees at Chepstow, and the form of that run has been let down since so he needs to improve but he certainly could. At a price Mr Crystal could go well, however it is Sainte Kadette who is taken to score.
Callisto Moon 7-1 (11-4) Led, hit 3rd, headed 3 out, a length down when left in lead 2 out, hit last, kept on well, won at Wetherby 2m 3yo lst hdl (1) gf beating Cornell Precedent (11-2) by 8l, 4 ran.
Falcon's Fire (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led after 2 out, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Sept beating Soliya (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Lemon Silk (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Held up, headway approaching 2 out, led between last 2, driven and stayed on flat, won at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd beating Bring It On Home (10-12) by 2l, 8 ran.
Paco Jack (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Disputed lead, 2nd when slight mistake 5th, challenged from before 2 out, every chance when rider lost whip after last, kept on well, 2nd of 17, nk behind Queen Althea (10-8) at Listowel 2m 3yo hdl gf in Sept.
Won In The Dark (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, 4th before 2 out, ridden to dispute lead last, led early run-in, stayed on well, won at Cork 2m 3yo hdl gd beating Prospectorous (10-7) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Franchoek (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, led after 4th, clear 4 out, ran on, won at Chepstow 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct beating Qrackers (10-12) by 13l, 12 ran.
Sainte Kadette (FR) 7-1 (10-13) Made all, drew clear after 2 out, unchallenged, won at Cheltenham 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd in Oct beating Silmi (11-2) by 7l, 10 ran.
Apache Chant (USA) 11-1 (10-12) Prominent until weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 8, 21l behind Lemon Silk (10-9) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd.
Carson's Spirit (USA) 16-1 (9-0) Keen, chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, last of 11, 13l behind Masai Moon (9-0) at Leicester 7f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May (Flat).
