led until blundered and fell 2nd
jumped well, tracked leader, left in lead 2nd, in command before 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, left in 2nd place 2nd, hit 9th, pecked 12th, slow jumps 13th and 14th, pushed along and no extra before 2 out
Only four runners in this but it still looks a big ask for Midnight Choice. Sonofvic didn't run last season but his second to Grand Crus at Newbury a couple of years ago is very decent form and he won't be far away if fully wound-up. But we prefer the mare KENTFORD GREY LADY, who makes a chasing bow but had some smart form over timber last season including a third to Reve De Sivola in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. Rendl Beach looks the type to make a chaser but was disappointing after winning a maiden hurdle at Fontwell a year ago.
Rendl Beach (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) Prominent, pushed along before mistake 3 out, weakened soon after, eased and pulled up before last, in a race won by Sammys Gone (10-12) at Hereford 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec, 11 ran.
Sonofvic (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leading pair briefly next, kept on same pace, disputed 4th and held when fell last, in a race won by Cape Tribulation (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gd in Mar '12, 24 ran.
Kentford Grey Lady 7-4fav (11-12) Held up off the pace in 6th, headway after 4 out, not much room 3 out, led 2 out, headed last, stayed on same pace flat, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Twin Plan (10-0) at Ayr 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Midnight Choice 4-1fav (10-3) Held up towards rear, weakened before 4 out, pulled up after 3 out, tailed off, in a race won by Realta Mo Croi (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Jun, 10 ran.
