ASCENDANT has been cleverly placed this season and boasts a strike rate of 12-36 over hurdles. He remains hard to oppose when operating at this level. Saucysioux is 5lb better off with the selection on their latest running and should get closer now, especially with the additional 3lb for James Bowen's claim but he has his first run for Barry Brennan after previously representing Olly Murphy. Occasionally Yours is a course and distance winner, which is a valuable asset around this unique track, and certainly merits respect in a decent contest for the level.
Ascendant 4-11fav (11-12) Chased leaders, every chance 2 out, led before last, ran on well, won at Fakenham 2m (5) sft in Mar beating Saucysioux (11-2) by 6l, 5 ran.
Occasionally Yours (IRE) 40-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 5th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 8th of 10, 35 1/4l behind Birch Hill (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Changing The Guard 20-1 (11-0) In touch, took closer order 5th, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 5, 16l behind Ascendant (11-12) at Fakenham 2m (5) sft in Mar.
Cocker 14-1 (10-11) Rear of mid-division, pushed along before 2nd, lost place after 4th, soon behind, 7th of 9, 27 3/4l behind Beyeh (11-9) at Fakenham 2m hcp (5) sft in Feb.
Saucysioux 11-8 (11-4) Mid-division, went 3rd before 3 out, soon pushed along, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 15l behind Little Bruce (11-11) at Wetherby 2m 5f (4) hvy in Mar.
