made most until not fluent 4 out, headed after next, soon pushed along, regained lead 2 out, drew clear from last
with winner, raced keenly, led after 3 out, headed 2 out, beaten before last
Nonrunner
On closer inspection Rustarix's last time out result isn't as good as first seems and while Bluegun is the highest rated in the field his form as not been that strong so we are left with giving the selection to RESTLESS D'ARTAIX. Nicky Henderson's runner put in a decent display to win his last race after 283 days away from a racecourse in a similarly small field. Tony McCoy accompanies him again today and the gelding should be much sharper for that run. Rustarix was a runner up to run away winner Pop last time but that result was only possible when a Nicholl's hotpot was well clear with the race at his mercy before falling at the last. He shouldn't be entirely ruled out though with a couple of wins on the CV this season. Bluegun hasn't quite returned this season in the form that he left last term. There has been a glimmer that he is beginning to run well again and he should be respected. Kinkeel has plenty to find according to official ratings while connections of Windinthewillows will consider a competition a victory here so in a small but competitive race Restless D'artaix has the verdict.
Rustarix (FR) 7-2 (11-8) Prominent, pushed along after 9th, ridden 4 out, weakening when jumped left 3 out, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Pop (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Feb.
Kinkeel (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Prominent, pushed along after 11th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 14, 32l behind Donald Will Do (10-13) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Feb.
Restless D'artaix (FR) 13-8fav (11-0) Tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led approaching last, driven out, won at Plumpton 2m 1f beg chs (4) hvy beating The Package (11-0) by 1l, 5 ran.
Bluegun (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up behind leading trio, hit 12th, 13th and 4 out, disputing 3rd when not fluent 2 out, ridden and no extra before last, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Hennessy (11-0) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Windinthewillows (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Chased leader until after 7th, weakened 9th, blundered 10th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Pop (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Feb, 7 ran.
