tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace from next, no impression
led until 6th, soon pushed along, slightly outpaced after 7th, stayed from 3 out to chase winner last, no impression
took keen hold, held up in 4th, went 2nd after 7th, led 3 out, went left 2 out, clear last, ridden out
not fluent 1st, held up in touch in last, closed 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace, no impression
tracked leader, challenged 5th, led next, ridden and headed 3 out, no extra flat
WILLIAM HOGARTH's second to Roalco De Farges at Chepstow earlier this month looks the best form on offer here and he can return to winning ways at the chief expense of the hat-trick seeking Mickmacmagoole, who is only 3lb higher than when winning over C&D last month but will severely test the persuasive skills of young pilot Aodhagan Conlon. It's no surprise to see Gus Macrae back over hurdles after an abortive campaign over fences but he may be in need of a confidence-booster while Pure Faith is probably best watched on his first start since November. Open Day would be a threat to all on his form of last season but he's been well below par in three runs this term and probably prefers a softer surface.
Gus Macrae (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Took keen hold, in touch, blundered badly and lost place 7th, rallied to go in touch again 10th, weakened next, soon behind, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Cottage Acre (10-11) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs (0-125) (3) gs in Mar.
William Hogarth 13-2 (11-2) Pressed leader, led 4th to before next, chased winner, ridden and not fluent 3 out, kept on same pace under pressure from next, no impression, 2nd of 15, 6l behind Roalco De Farges (10-6) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs.
Pure Faith (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) With leader, led briefly after 3rd, lost place after 4 out, soon driven, kept on same pace from next, well held 4th when mistake last, went 3rd near finish, no chance with leading pair, 3rd of 4, 17l behind Toubab (11-0) at Haydock 2m Listed nov hdl (1) gs in Nov.
Open Day (IRE) 5-2fav (11-6) Held up, not fluent 2nd, ridden 8th, headway 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 6th of 7, 35l behind Numide (11-6) at Bangor 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Mar.
Mickmacmagoole (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, took closer order 6th, led after 4 out, ridden and hung left before 2 out, kept on well, driven out, won at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Mar beating Sparrow Hills (11-5) by 2 3/4l, 8 ran.
