tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, slightly hampered next, soon weakened
led, ridden and pressed 2 out, driven out and headed close home
soon outpaced, struggling 6th, never on terms
tracked leader, ridden and slightly hampered 2 out, ridden and every chance next, driven and ran on to lead close home
in touch, pushed along 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance when fell 2 out
Magic Dancer is very consistent at this level though has never won from a mark this high. Sarasota Star made most for an easy victory at Chepstow though an 8lb rise makes this tougher. Lingfield novice hurdle winner Black Gerry makes his chasing bow and hasn't run since February last year so a chance is taken on the jumping of HARDY DU SEUIL. Jamie Snowden's four-year-old won over hurdles at Auteuil in February but only had the long odds-on Tupelo Mississippi to beat over fences at Carlisle. He's failed to complete in his two other runs over the bigger obstacles but hopefully can get round safely.
Magic Dancer 11-10fav (11-9) Chased winner until 7th, given reminder, went 2nd again from 9th, driven after 2 out, no impression flat, kept on, 2nd of 4, 3l behind Bathiva (11-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Sarasota Star (IRE) 9-4fav (11-10) Led 1st until 2nd, led next, clear 3 out, drew further clear flat, stayed on strongly, won at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Fabrique En France (11-12) by 9 1/2l, 8 ran.
Black Gerry (IRE) 5-4 (11-10) Led, hit last and joined, hung right and bumped winner run-in, soon ridden and narrowly headed, flattered by proximity to snug winner, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Notre Pari (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) sft in Feb.
Hardy Du Seuil (FR) 7-2 (10-8) Held up, closed on outside 9th, went 2nd before pecking slightly 3 out, 3 lengths down when jumped left, mistake and unseated rider 2 out, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Blazer's Mill (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) In rear, outpaced 5th, behind when pulled up 2 out, at Warwick 2m (3) gs in Nov.
Can You Call 10-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, steady headway from 4 out, modest 5th before next, never on terms, 5th of 13, 13 1/4l behind Witness Protection (11-2) at Chepstow 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
