led to after 2nd, tracked leader, blundered 2 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair flat
tracked leading pair, hit 4 out, driven and lost place before 2 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
mid-division, driven to chase leaders 2 out, soon ridden, led briefly when not much room towards stands side rail approaching last, kept on, no chance with impressive winner flat
held up behind in touch, headway on outside 6th, jinked 3 out, tracked front pair going well before next, led on bit last, drew easily clear flat, impressive
with leader, led after 2nd, ridden and headed approaching last, well held flat
mid-division, lost place when mistake 3 out, ridden and weakened after next
held up behind in touch, not fluent 6th, pushed along 3 out, ridden after next, never threatened leaders
held up behind in touch, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, ridden and effort before last, well held when switched right and weakened flat
Nonrunner
In a tremendous contest, Barters Hill would be the choice if running but he's doubly declared and Ben Pauling has said he'll be Doncaster-bound. Yanworth has been mightily impressive in three winning starts over timber and will be tough to overcome if equally effective over this longer trip. SHANTOU VILLAGE, also unbeaten over hurdles, was massively impressive when slamming Champers On Ice here in November and has clearly been trained with the spring festivals in mind. With no stamina concerns, he's given the nod in the presumed absence of Barters Hill and there being no significant softening of the ground. Champers On Ice and Charmix are also respected in a true Festival trial.
Champers On Ice (IRE) 7-2jfav (11-12) Made all, ridden approaching last, edged right flat, held on, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f (3) hvy in Jan beating Allysson Monterg (11-2) by nk, 10 ran.
Charmix (FR) 5-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, led after 3rd, made rest, clear from 2 out, easily, won at Newbury 2m 3f (4) sft in Dec beating Big Chief Benny (10-12) by 17l, 11 ran.
Shantou Village (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, upsides 3 out, led next, clear when edged right flat, ridden out, comfortably, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Nov beating Champers On Ice (11-0) by 15l, 4 ran.
Yanworth 1-3fav (11-7) Made all, clear and in command approaching 2 out, very easily, won at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Charbel (11-7) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.
Chef D'Oeuvre (FR) 5-2 (10-12) Tended to jump right, made all, came clear from 3 out, very easily, won at Lingfield 2m 3f (4) hvy in Dec beating Krugermac (11-5) by 28l, 6 ran.
Clondaw Cian (IRE) 13-8fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, headway and effort approaching 2 out, ridden and one pace before last, went modest 4th flat, no impression, 4th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Label Des Obeaux (11-0) at Sandown 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec.
Royal Vacation (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, 4th and no impression from next, 4th of 10, 18 1/4l behind Champers On Ice (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) sft in Nov.
Baden (FR) 5-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders on inside, ridden and squeezed through on inside after 2 out, every chance when jumped left last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind North Hill Harvey (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (3) sft in Dec.
Barters Hill (IRE) 4-11fav (11-7) Made all, hung right paddock bend, driven 3 out, ridden after next, 3 lengths advantage and in command last, drew well clear flat, comfortably, won at Newbury 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec beating Politologue (11-7) by 12l, 3 ran.
