led, not fluent and rider lost irons 1st, jumped right 2nd, headed 10th and soon reminders, weakened next, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leader, took closer order 5th, led 10th, headed 2 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd approaching 11th, challenged when bumped and stumbled 2 out, soon weakened
in touch, went 3rd at 12th, led 2 out, kept on well, ridden out
in rear, hit 7th, tailed off from 10th, in 5th when fell heavily last
held up behind, reminders and detached from 4th, went remote 4th 3 out, never dangerous
A tricky little beginner chase to contend with now where is should pay to follow the first three on the race card with the vote just going to ELUSIVE DREAM in the hope that Paul Nicholls has this ex classy hurdler fit an well. Alaghirarr and Cast Cada can battle it out for second but both have been disappointing especially the latter. Elusive Dream was Grade Two winner over hurdles and while it is a bit of a worry that he is going chasing this late in his career his class may see him through on his chasing debut. As long as the ground stays quick he should be capable of a big show. Cast Cada had some decent form early last year but has not gone on. He has the best form of those who have run and it just may be that he is a summer horse. Truth be told he looks the safest bet in the line up but he is far from bomb proof. Alaghirarr's form has been quite average but with the Nicholls horse having its first run over fences and Cast Cada seemingly not enjoying the game he may pick up the pieces but the vote goes to the Nicholls horse in the hope the chasing game can revitalise him.
Alaghiraar (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Pressed leader, led approaching 8th, ridden and headed 3 out, hung left after 2 out, still every chance when pecked last, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 7, 2l behind King Ar Aghaidh (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd in Apr.
Cast Cada (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division on inside, ridden 18th, soon struggling, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Poker De Sivola (11-6) at Cheltenham 4m am nov chs (2) gd in Mar, 18 ran.
Elusive Dream 25-1 (11-12) Always behind, struggling 4 out, 11th of 18, 22l behind Alfie Sherrin (11-4) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Feb.
Marc of Brilliance (USA) 7-1 (11-2) Held up in last pair, headway to chase leaders after 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, every chance when hung left flat, not quicken near finish, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Double The Trouble (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Near The Water (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, no impression, 4th of 10, 23l behind Sun Quest (10-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Swainson (USA) 16-1 (11-0) In rear, went 3rd approaching 11th, no impression, 3rd of 5, 29l behind Midnight Chase (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chase (4) gs in Mar.
