held up in rear, ridden and headway to chase winner after 2 out, hard ridden and stayed on to lead towards finish
held up in touch, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, lost place 8th, behind when fell next
led, ridden approaching last, headed and no extra towards finish
chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, headway 3 out, ridden approaching next, soon weakened
The outcome of this contest should revolve around the first two home in the Relkeel Hurdle over course and distance last month. Eternal Spring, who has disappointed over three miles since, came out on top that day as the slow early pace brought his flat race speed into play. Conversely Classified, beaten five lengths then, was hindered by the lack of pace in the early part of the race and was doing all of his best work in the latter stages. Martin Pipe's gelding re-opposes on 6lb better terms here and with confirmed front runner, and stablemate, Mr Cool in the line-up he can reverse earlier form. Jonjo O'Neill's Sudden Shock reverts to hurdles having fallen in two starts over fences this season and should not be dismissed lightly. Comex Flyer and Texas Ranger are both difficult to recommend and look out of their depth.
