held up in 3rd, slight mistakes 1st and 4th, ridden and no impression 3 out, weakened and mistake next
disputed briefly early, soon chased leader in 2nd, slight mistakes 3rd and 6th, improved to challenge 3 out, ridden 2 out, no impression on winner before last, kept on one pace
soon led, slight mistake 3rd, mistake 4 out, pressed 3 out, ridden after 2 out, asserted before last where mistake, kept on well run-in
Gordon Elliott had four of the original nine entries and relies on Thunder Zone, who had shown plenty of promise before finishing a long way behind in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. Luke Dempsey's claim enhances the allowance he already receives so he'll be difficult to beat. Aklan beat a huge field on his hurdling bow at Navan but was beaten by Elliott's Noble Endeavor at Punchestown and disappointed when strongly fancied at Clonmel so he has some catching up to do. SADLER'S RISK was disqualified for his rider weighing in 4lb light at Punchestown. He'd been chasing previously so did well to finish first past the post on his return to hurdling and gets the nod.
Aklan (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th before straight, soon no extra, 6th of 8, 24l behind Ttebbob (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f hdl sft in Feb.
Sadler's Risk (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Led, headed before 2nd where mistake, chased leader, left in lead 5th, ridden before last, challenged last, disputed run-in and kept on well, just prevailed close home (disqualified as weighed out 4lb light), 7th of 6, 11l behind He'llberemembered (11-9) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl sft in Dec.
Thunder Zone 20-1 (11-4) Mid-division on outside, ridden and struggling after 4 out, 20th of 22, well behind Qualando (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m hcap hdle Grd 3 (1) gd.
