led at good pace, ridden and headed 2 out, lost 2nd before last, weakened flat, lost 3rd close home
tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, stayed on to chase leader before last, led last, pushed clear flat and stayed on strongly
chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, not pace of winner flat
held up off the pace in 6th, steady headway approaching 4 out, weakened next
took keen hold, held up in last pair, never on terms
chased leader, hit 6th, ridden and lost 2nd next, soon weakened, behind when fell 3 out
held up in rear, steady headway approaching 4 out, went 4th and mistake 3 out, stayed on again approaching last, went 3rd close home
held up in last trio, some headway 7th, struggling before next, never involved
soon held up off the pace in 6th, pushed along and struggling before 4 out
This Grade 2 contest has produced some very smart performers down the years and is always targeted by Paul Nicholls, though his Current Event could only finish third behind Fingals Bay 12 months ago. WONDERFUL CHARM won at Auteuil in March and was second in a Grade 2 at that track the following month, beaten only two lengths. He can land this for the Ditcheat handler ahead of the prolific Mulligan's Man, who completing a five-time in point-to-points, bumpers and hurdles when outpointing Benefit Of Youth at Perth. Hawkhill is holding his form remarkably well and is versatile as to trip as he beat the useful Princely Player over 2m in a Listed hurdle at Kempton last Sunday. Carlisle winner Ballybough Pet looks progressive while Special Account has useful form in the book but this looks a tough start for both Lienosus and Return Spring.
Hawkhill (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Made all, not fluent 2nd, ridden approaching last, edged right flat, held on well, won at Kempton 2m Listed nov hdl (1) gd beating Princely Player (11-6) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Wonderful Charm (FR) (10-3) 2nd of 6, 2l behind Usual Suspects (10-6) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 3f hdl gs in Apr.
Ballybough Pat (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) In touch, went 2nd approaching 6th, led 3 out, ridden when mistake last, ran on well, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy beating African Gold (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Mulligan's Man (IRE) 1-2fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 2 out, led approaching last, pushed clear flat, easily, won at Perth 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Sep beating Benefit Of Youth (10-12) by 8l, 4 ran.
Special Account (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Held up in last, some headway after 2 out, never on terms, no impression on leaders last, 4th of 9, 27l behind The New One (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nh nov hdl (2) gs.
Tenby Jewel (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Made all, clear before 2 out, mistake last, stayed on, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Sep beating Kilmacowen (11-5) by 4l, 6 ran.
Lienosus (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) won at Kingston Blount 3m ptp gs in May beating No Pain No Gain (12-0) by 6l, 12 ran.
Red Riverman 16-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd 3 out, stayed on same pace fom next, went 2nd last, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Hinterland (11-10) at Chepstow 2m Limited hcp hdl (2) sft.
Return Spring (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead 3f out, ridden to lead under 2f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, easily, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f N H flat gf in Aug beating Dubh Go Leir (11-7) by 16l, 8 ran.
