held up in touch, weakened 11th
tracked leader, hit 10th, soon weakened
tracked leader, mistake 4th, effort approaching 3 out, soon one pace
close up, chased leaders 11th, every chance 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on well
led, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, headed before last, kept on towards finish
held up in touch, lost place 8th, headway after 11th, soon no impression
With the stable's record in this sort of contest we will look no further here than Oslot to get off the mark on his chasing debut for Paul Nicholls, with Cardenas looking next best. Oslot was good enough to win a decent Sandown handicap hurdle in the spring and trip and ground both suit well enough. He is sure to have been well schooled and can see off his rivals. Cardenas was not far behind him on hurdling form and he also handles cut. However, Jonathan Geake's runners are not red hot at present and after a long lay-off the gelding is opposable. Downpatrick maiden hurdle winner Good Company makes his British debut for Jonjo O'Neill and we are happy to watch him here, while So Wise So Young, Climate Change and Ruairi all look to have plenty to find so Oslot gets the vote.
Cardenas (GER) 16-1 (11-1) Always behind, mistake 4 out, 17th of 19, well behind Monolith (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Oct '06.
Climate Change (USA) 10-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 6th, chased leaders 3 out, weakening when jumped left 2 out, 5th of 9, 22l behind Benetwood (11-0) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) gs in Dec.
Good Company (IRE) Evensfav (11-4) Settled in moderate 2nd, took closer order halfway, led 3 out, hit next, ridden clear last, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Feb beating Tailor's Hall (11-2) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Oslot (FR) 11-2 (11-9) Mid-division, ridden over 2 out, weakened run-in, 8th of 17, 9l behind Pigeon Island (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Sept.
Ruairi (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, weakening when mistake 8th, 6th of 8, 28l behind Kruguyrova (10-2) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
So Wise So Young 11-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden approaching 6th, soon beaten, 12th of 16, well behind Panjo Bere (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Dec.