gave trouble before start, led, headed over 5f out, hung left over 3f out, soon weakened
held up in touch in rear, closed 6f out, went 2nd over 2f out, no impression on winner, one pace
tracked leaders, led 3f out, clear final 2f, easily
tracked leader, led over 5f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out
KAFELLA ran green and was hampered when favourite on his debut at Doncaster but stayed on strongly in the closing stages and was beaten less than a length at the finish. This step up in trip should be right up his street and he can recoup losses getting 15lb from London Prize, who has been absent since making an impressive winning debut at Worcester in June of last year. Piton Pete and Classic Tune were both placed last time and Tolethorpe is a full brother to bumper and hurdles winner Balmusette, so is respected. Fellow newcomer Laval Noir could also be useful.
Classic Tune 20-1 (11-2) In touch, headway over 5f out, chased leaders over 3f out, never able to challenge, 3rd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Matchaway (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f (5) sft in Dec.
Piton Pete (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) In touch in mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd close home, 3rd of 14, 6 1/4l behind Blu Cavalier (11-2) at Taunton 2m mdn (5) gd in Nov.
Tolethorpe Halling gelding out of Tcherina.
Kafella 11-8fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, not much room over 2f out, pressing for 2nd and ran green over 1f out, stayed on, no impression on front pair final 100 yards, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Jam Session (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f (6) gd in Nov.
London Prize Evensfav (10-11) Held up towards rear, not much room over 13f out, headway over 3f out, led 2f out, quickened clear final furlong, easily, won at Worcester 2m (6) gf in Jun beating Thehossbehind (10-11) by 9l, 11 ran.
Laval Noir (FR) Laveron gelding out of Vale Of Honor.
