chased leader in share of 2nd, not fluent 3rd, mistake 4th, dropped to 3rd after 4 out, ridden before 2 out and briefly went 2nd, 3rd after 2 out, not fluent last and kept on run-in without matching front two
chased leader in share of 2nd, improved into 2nd after 4 out, ridden before 2 out and soon dropped to 4th, no extra from before last
settled in 4th and briefly niggled along after 2nd, took closer order after 3 out, improved into 2nd after 2 out and led before last, not fluent last and ridden, soon headed and kept on same pace close home
soon led and clear before 2nd, reduced advantage after 4th, ridden and headed before last, railled to regain lead run-in and kept on well under pressure close home
raced in rear, ridden and no impression after 3 out
BAYAN is a Grade 3 hurdles winner at Ascot and finished fourth in Listed company at Sandown on his latest start. He should have enough to edge out the progressive chasers Rawnaq and Devils Bride as the latter pair return to hurdles. The former won a decent novice chase at Navan in February but has some improving to do to match the selection over timber and Devils Bride makes more appeal. Willie Mullins' charge has won his last two starts over fences and has plenty of scope back over the smaller obstacles. Run With The Wind and To Choose will do well to get involved on these terms.
Bayan (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up in last pair but in touch, headway bypassing omitted 3 out, one pace in 4th before next, 4th of 6, 12l behind Polly Peachum (10-11) at Sandown 2m 6f Listed hdl (1) gs in Apr.
To Choose (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Held up in 4th, reminders 3 out, ridden next, kept on one pace into 3rd entering straight, no impression on leaders, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Definite Earl (11-2) at Ballinrobe 2m nov hdl gd in May.
Devils Bride (IRE) 1-2fav (11-8) Soon led, still travelling smoothly and asserted from before 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs in Jul beating Authinger (11-1) by 6l, 5 ran.
Rawnaq (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Not fluent 1st, held up in touch, fell 13th, in a race won by Saphir Du Rheu (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs G1 (1) gd in Apr, 9 ran.
Run With The Wind (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Mid-division, 8th halfway, 6th 2 out, went 4th before last, kept on one pace, 4th of 16, 8l behind Stocktons Wing (11-4) at Down Royal 2m hcp hdl 0-150 in Nov.
