pressed leader, led 3 out, pushed along to lead between last 2, stayed on strongly flat
chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened, went left last
tracked leaders, hit 6th, chased winner after 3 out, ridden and no impression approaching last, lost 2nd and weakened flat
chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, switched left approaching last, hung left, took 2nd flat, no chance with winner
held up in rear, in touch from 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, niggled along after 5th, loosing touch when jumped left and mistake 7th, tailed off after 3 out
led to 3 out, weakening when untidy jump 2 out, well behind when mistake last, tailed off
Elusive Dream sets the standard but it may be worth opposing him with Punchestowns who is regarded as an exciting prospect. The Henderson runner faces a tough task off level weights but Elusive Dream had a fairly hard race at Aintree and has yet to completely convince that this track brings out the best in him. The selection should have no fears on that score, having made a winning debut at Sandown before winning as he liked at Uttoxeter. This is a big step up in class but connections should have a fair idea of what they have on their hands and he's given the chance to deliver. Pagano and Crescent Island have both enjoyed fruitful seasons but the handicapper has them rated around a stone and a half or so behind Elusive Dream which is a fair reflection of the task that they face here. It's difficult to see any of the others getting involved on what they've shown to date and Elusive Dream is likely to be a warm order but we'll look to Punchestowns to burst his bubble.
Elusive Dream 7-2 (11-8) Prominent, led 3 out, soon ridden, kept on well, driven out, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs beating Whiteoak (11-1) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Pagano (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Mid-division, headway 3rd, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 14, 19l behind Hopkins (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (2) gs in Mar.
Punchestowns (FR) 4-5fav (11-12) Mid-division, headway after 6th, chased leader 3 out, led 2 out, ran on, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd in Mar beating Ogee (11-2) by 8l, 16 ran.
Crescent Island (IRE) 5-6fav (11-6) Chased winner, challenged 3 out, ridden after 2 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Quizzene (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Leac An Scail (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up, effort when mistake 9th, rider lost iron briefly, mistake next, soon struggling, 5th of 14, 18l behind Hopkins (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (2) gs in Mar.
Freeze Up (IRE) (12-0) won at Kirkistown 3m ire ptp gs in Nov beating Our Ted (12-0) by 12l, 12 ran.
Radetsky March (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) In touch, struggling 7th, weakened after 3 out, 5th of 15, 34l behind Ballydub (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) sft in Mar.
Sterling Moll 100-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, weakened 3 out, 10th of 15, 50l behind Ballydub (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) sft in Mar.
Latanier (FR) 15-8 (11-2) Held up, hit 2nd, headway after 5th, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, not pace of leading pair, 3rd of 16, 18l behind Tampa Boy (11-2) at Hereford 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Feb.
