A cracking renewal featuring several with Cheltenham aspirations. That list is headed by ANGELS BREATH, who was well backed on his debut under Rules in a Grade 2 at Ascot and didn’t disappoint. He’s in the Supreme Novices’ and the Ballymore at The Festival and will probably need to win this to confirm his place. The unbeaten Emitom should make it interesting, however, in receipt of 5lb. Warren Greatrex’ charge has won both hurdle races on the bridle and could be anything. Anytime Will Do is also unbeaten under Rules and I K Brunel’s third at Cheltenham has worked out well. Hold The Note had Strong Glance behind when winning at Doncaster but this is a much tougher assignment.
Angels Breath (IRE) 6-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, 2nd going well 2f out, led over 1f out, soon quickened clear, impressive, won at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Danny Kirwan (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Anytime Will Do (IRE) 5-4fav (11-4) Held up in mid-division, headway chasing leaders 4th, led 2 out, kept on well run-in, won at Bangor 2m 1f (4) gd in Oct beating My Mate Mark (10-12) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Emitom (IRE) 1-8fav (11-8) Held up in rear, blundered 1st, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, led before 2 out, drew clear after last, easily, won at Lingfield 2m (4) gs in Jan beating Megalodon (11-2) by 5l, 14 ran.
Hold The Note (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, switched right 3 out, led next, stayed on well, won at Doncaster 2m 3f (4) gd in Dec beating Ivilnoble (10-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
I K Brunel 11-2 (10-12) Held up, closed after 2nd, not fluent next, not fluent 2 out, soon outpaced, kept on and went 3rd towards finish, unable to challenge, 3rd of 5, 5 1/4l behind Elixir De Nutz (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (3) gd in Dec.
Strong Glance 5-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, jumped right at times, closed 6th, challenged 3 out, not quicken before last, one pace flat, 5th of 8, 4l behind Hold The Note (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f (4) gd in Dec.
