always prominent, led after 9th, not fluent and reminders 3 out, 4 lengths clear 2 out, went right last, driven out
held up in rear in tight bunch, no chance after 6th, went poor 3rd 2 out
held up in tight bunch, no chance after 6, tailed off
led until after 9th, pushed along after next, ridden after 3 out, edged right and no impression flat
chased leader until approaching 4th, not fluent 6, no chance with leading pair when not fluent 3 out, lost poor 3rd 2 out, tailed off
held up in rear in tight bunch, weakened approaching 10th, tailed off
in touch, raced keenly, jumped left and not fluent 3rd, rear when mistake 5th, lost touch next, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
This looks to be a match up between TRICKY TRICKSTER and Chamirey, but if anything can emerge from the pack to challenge them, it could be Annie Confidential. Tricky Trickster carries our support though, with Paul Nicholls giving his gelding his first run since winning at Cheltenham last year. Trip and testing conditions don't give us any concerns, although there may be a slight doubt over fitness following his lay-off. He's among the Nicholls' Gold Cup entries, and although that may be asking too much, there doesn't look to be too much to beat here, although he's more of a chaser than hurdler. Chamirey hasn't raced this far before, but his one career success came in soft ground (that was atUttoxeter). He's fit and in form, with that win and two runners up spots coming in his three runs over the last three months. Pomander is the only other runner to have a hurdles mark, but is well behind the front two, and seems to have far too much to do. Annie Confidential is having her first go at jumping in public after showing improved form in bumpers, and any market support would be encouraging. However, our preference is for Tricky Trickster.
Chamirey (FR) 6-4 (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon every chance, not quicken from last, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Lord Generous (11-5) at Southwell 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Alteranthela (IRE) 100-1 (11-6) Held up, outpaced approaching 3 out, 5th of 11, 14l behind Stoney's Treasure (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) sft.
Quartz Dore (FR) 150-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden after 3 out, no impression, 6th of 8, well behind Lord Generous (11-5) at Southwell 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Tricky Trickster (IRE) 11-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, steady progress from 12th, mistake 17th, led after 4 out, stayed on strongly from last, ridden out, won at Cheltenham 4m amat chs (2) gs in Mar beating Drumconvis (11-11) by 10l, 19 ran.
Annie Confidential (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, close 3rd approaching straight, moderate 5th and no extra 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 23l behind Killary Bay (12-0) at Limerick 2m 2f N H flat hvy in Dec.
Pomander (IRE) 28-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, behind from halfway, 6th of 9, well behind Vivarini (10-10) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft.
So Regal (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Always in rear, well beaten over 3f out, 10th of 13, 31l behind Hideaway (11-3) at Towcester 2m mdn NH flat (5) gd in Apr.
Bell Hill Lad 66-1 (10-9) Mid-division, lost place 6th, soon behind, tailed off 3 out, 6th of 9, well behind Valentine Vic (10-12) at Taunton 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
