led until out jumped 4 out, switched left after 3 out, rallied to challenge next, held after last, stayed on
tracked leader, challenged 7th until 2 out, 3rd and no extra approaching last
chased leaders, led 4 out, pressed after, given reminder to assert flat, just pushed out towards finish
held up, took keen hold, losing touch 7th, behind when fell 4 out
in rear, went left and often deliberate, behind 6th, mistake 3 out
chased leaders on outside, not fluent 3rd, struggling 7th, modest 4th when blundered and unseated rider 8th
GO LONG may well have been flattered by his run at Haydock as he never threatened the first two but that should have brought him forward and he’s been very lightly raced for his age. First Drift is an obvious danger as he’s a year younger and was a comfortable winner here last month, despite starting at 25/1 – Max Kendrick’s claim takes care of most of his penalty. Charming Zen has won twice over hurdles but has been hard to train and has switched stables since last seen.
First Drift 25-1 (11-0) Led until 6th, led again approaching omitted 3 out, headed next, soon rallied, led again before last, ran on strongly (2 fences omitted), won at Hereford 2m (3) sft in Dec beating Arian (10-7) by 3 1/4l, 9 ran.
Charming Zen (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Held up behind, fell 4 out, at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (2) hvy in Feb.
Go Long (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Held up, not fluent 1st or 6th, some way off front pair 9th, closed before 2 out, stayed on, unable to challenge, 3rd of 4, 1 3/4l behind Brelan D'As (10-12) at Haydock 2m (3) hvy in Dec.
The Hiking Viking 66-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, took keen hold, pecked 4th in touch after next, mistake and weakened 3 out, 7th of 8, dist behind Kalashnikov (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gs in Dec.
Waitinonasunnyday (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 1st, ridden 3 out, weakened before last, 6th of 12, 28 1/2l behind Kalarika (11-6) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (5) hvy in Dec.
Sprogzilla 16-1 (10-7) Led until after 3 out, soon lost place, 7th of 9, 17 3/4l behind Third Estate (12-4) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in Oct.