held up in close 5th after 4th, same position before 10th, in 2nd last, no impression flat
disputing lead after 4th, 2nd before 10th, well beaten in 5th flat
(limited comments due to very poor visibility) disputing lead after 4th, 3rd approaching 10th, in lead last, driven out (no time taken)
tracking leaders after 4th, in lead approaching 10th, well beaten 4th flat
tracking leaders after 4th, same position before 10th, 3rd flat
Overclear is no mug but this could develop into a match between BENSALEM and Take The Breeze with Alan King's runner taken to come out on top. Victor Dartnall sent out Exmoor Ranger to win last year's renewal and Overclear can't be ignored following a good run at Cheltenham on just his second run for the yard. He had shown vastly improved form at Stratford prior to that and may progress further for his new trainer but he's up against a pair that could, potentially, reach the top. Adroit Approach and Connak should both win races over fences in time but this is a tough start for the former and the latter was well held on debut over birch. Take The Breeze was very impressive on his chase bow and held an entry for a Grade 2 race at Sandown on Saturday but he'll need to improve on his form over hurdles if he's to challenge the very best in this sphere. Bensalem potentially fits that category although this trip is undoubtedly short of his best and we can expect to see him over further in time. He was made to work very hard for his debut success and the result could have been different if Chariot Charger hadn't fluffed the last but his reserves of stamina told in the run to the line and connections felt that making the running hadn't suited him. This stiff track and the testing conditions will be ideal for this classy hurdler who only went down by half a length to Diamond Harry off levels in January and Bensalem can stamp his class on these proceedings.
Bensalem (IRE) 4-9fav (11-1) Jumped right, led 4th, hit 7th, blundered 10th, went right and joined 2 out, narrowly headed soon after, hit last, ridden and quickened flat, led final 50 yards, won at Plumpton 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov beating Chariot Charger (11-1) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Overclear 18-1 (11-7) Pressed leader, left in lead 8th, not fluent and challenged from 4 out, driven approaching last, headed 100 yds out, weakened, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Weird Al (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs in Nov.
Take The Breeze (FR) 7-2 (11-1) Led to 7th, led approaching 4 out, drew clear from 2 out, won at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Nov beating Captain Americo (11-1) by 11l, 11 ran.
Adroit Approach (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on well under pressure flat, 3rd of 17, 1 3/4l behind Wolf Moon (10-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Nov.
Connak (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, blundered 6th, stayed on one pace from 4 out, 3rd of 8, 22l behind Inchidaly Rock (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov stks (3) sft in Nov.
