prominent until weakened quickly approaching 4 out, tailed off
led 2nd to 3rd, always behind, led 8th, headed 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, clear last, eased near finish
held up, headway 8th, out paced 10th, stayed on flat, not troubled winner
held up, mistake 4th, lost touch 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
in touch until weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
jumped slightly left and unseated rider 1st
held up, headway 5th, mistake 7th, soon weakened, no chance when mistake 4 out, pecked last, tailed off
held up, hampered 2nd, headway 8th, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed 2 out, weakened flat
held up, jumped right 1st, headway 9th, no impression before 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Dad's Elect showed enough last time to warrant support here ahead of Chase The Sunset, Papillon de Iena and Chivite in a modest contest. It is no surprise that each of these has embarked on a career over fences as they have all been disappointing over hurdles. However, there may be a gem among them somewhere, and Dad's Elect is the pick on his second to Major Euro at Market Rasen in April. He did actually show some fair form over hurdles for Charlie Mann last year, and that last effort was encouraging enough. Chase The Sunset is still a maiden but looked set for a bright future when third on his chase debut at Ludlow. He has not progressed since though and cannot be backed with confidence. Papillon de Iena was most impressive when beating Vengis Park over hurdles at Fontwell last year but has gone badly off the boil since, and it remains to be seen whether the switch to the bigger obstacles works the trick. At least he comes from a top stable, as does Chivite, but he too has failed to shine over timber. Richard Johnson rides the stable's other runner Mister Flint who takes a drop in trip after running over three miles at Cheltenham, but he has it to do as well, and for the winner we return to Dad's Elect.
