led, mistake 8th, not fluent 3 out, ridden and headed when hit next, blundered last, stayed on, led towards finish
chased winner, not fluent 2nd, challenged 8th, ridden after 3 out, led next, hit last, hung right by paddock entrance, no extra when headed towards finish
chased leaders, hit 7th, lost touch next, tailed off
ATLANTIC COAST is the tentative suggestion in a race where the four runners appear closely matched. Latanier is just the pick on official ratings and got due reward for some consistent performances when winning on his penultimate start. He was a shade disappointing last time and he has yet to entirely convince. Kayf Aramis should win races over hurdles but he hasn't fared quite as well on his last two runs in handicaps as might have been expected and he has a little to prove. Quel Bruere has had just the one run on these shores when well held at a big price at Warwick. He looked sure to benefit from that initial experience but it's a slight concern that he hasn't been seen since. Atlantic Coast was a useful stayer on the level and has posted two sound efforts over hurdles so far. This ground is a concern but the ground has been soft on both starts to date so we'll take a chance with that and nominate Atlantic Coast in a tight heat.
Latanier (FR) 10-11fav (11-11) Led, ridden and headed between last 2, no impression and lost 2nd before last, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Circus of Dreams (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Kayf Aramis 15-2 (11-1) Prominent, jumped slowly 5th, ridden after 10th, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 12, 22l behind Maktu (10-9) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan.
Quel Bruere (FR) 25-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 8th, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 18, 19l behind Weird Al (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Atlantic Coast (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance 3 out, fading when pecked last, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Aqualung (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
