EPATANTE (NAP) has had to play second fiddle to Constitution Hill in the Nicky Henderson stable but drops back down to Grade 2 level with leading claims on these terms. Nigel Twiston-Davies trained the horse that this race is named after and I Like To Move It scooped a big pot when landing the Greatwood Hurdle in November. Minella Drama is switched from chasing and while a surprising decision, it’s worth remembering that he showed aptitude for this discipline in the past. Jason The Militant makes a first start for Phil Kirby having left the care of Henry De Bromhead.
I Like To Move It 3-1fav (11-4) Mid-division, outpaced after 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 23 1/4l behind Marie's Rock (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Jan.
Nells Son 3-1 (11-4) Towards rear, went 4th 5 out, ridden before 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 13l behind Bass Rock (11-4) at Carlisle 2m (3) sft in Nov.
For Pleasure (IRE) 22-1 (11-5) Led and disputed, headed home turn, soon weakened quickly, 10th of 14, 30 1/2l behind No Ordinary Joe (11-8) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Jason The Militant (IRE) 7-4jfav (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent in 2nd behind clear leader at 3rd, took closer order 4 out, niggled along before 2 out where close 4th, weakened quickly before last, 4th of 5, 22 1/2l behind Jesse Evans (11-3) at Tipperary 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Oct.
Minella Drama (IRE) 5-2fav (12-0) Jumped well, made all, pressed for lead 4 out, ridden before 3 out, 2 lengths ahead 2 out, extended lead with good jump last, stayed on well run-in, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Jan beating Cooper's Cross (10-11) by 6 1/2l, 7 ran.
Epatante (FR) 7-1 (11-3) Held up in 5th, smooth headway into 3rd 4 out, went 2nd turning in, ridden and no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 17l behind Constitution Hill (11-10) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
