led, mistake and blundered 3rd, faced challenge before 2 out, kept on, hit last, ridden and headed run-in, no extra
tracked leader, not fluent 5th, reminders and dropped to 3rd at 11th, steadily lost ground 4 out, soon well behind
chased leaders, went 2nd at 11th, pressed leader before 2 out where nodded on landing, soon pushed along, ridden and led run-in, on top at finish
held up in rear, lost touch 4 out, tailed off
There is little between Holly Hartingo and Sashenka on hurdle ratings, although the former does have to bounce back from a disappointing chasing debut when pulled up here last month. The jury is out at present and she is best watched. Sashenka is a solid hurdler and should give a strong account if taking to fences, but a chance is taken with IMPRESSION CHIC. She is rated well below the aforementioned pair on official ratings, but has taken well to fences with a win and two runner-up efforts from three runs over the larger obstacles. She may just make that experience and her assured fitness count. Stop This Train looks up against it on the available evidence.
Impression Chic (FR) 4-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, made good headway after 15th, made challenge going well 2 out, soon every chance, few lengths down run-in, no extra final 110yds, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Jacks Touch (11-13) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp (5) gs in Nov.
Holly Hartingo (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, pushed along 14th, behind when pulled up at last, at Huntingdon 3m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Sashenka (GER) 10-1 (9-5) Towards rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden and no impression final furlong, 7th of 11, 8 1/2l behind First Emperor (9-5) at Goodwood 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Stop This Train (IRE) 125-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, not much room 1st, lost place after 6th, pulled up before 2 out, 7th of 9, dist behind Star Legend (11-3) at Fakenham 2m 4f mdn (4) gs in Nov.
