Rocklander made a winning start to his chasing career at Ludlow. But he’s flattered by the winning margin as several failed to complete and he shares a similar rating over hurdles to SHADES OF MIDNIGHT. The latter was last of five at Carlisle on his chasing bow but not beaten far and with a neater display of jumping, he’s taken to reverse running with Progress Drive and come out best. Donna's Diamond didn’t get very far before unseating over fences at Wetherby last season and Crest is preferred while Catchamat makes her debut over the larger obstacles having won a couple of novice hurdles back in January.
Rocklander (IRE) Evensfav (11-2) Tracked leaders, blundered 1st, challenging when bumped 4 out, left in lead next, soon clear, left well ahead 2 out, won at Ludlow 2m 4f (4) gs in Nov beating Bendomingo (11-2) by dist, 7 ran.
Crest 2-1fav (11-12) Chased leader, slow 6th and lost a few places, 5th and slight mistake next, mistake 10th, slight mistake next and soon pulled up, at Tipperary 2m 7f gd in May.
Donna's Diamond (IRE) 50-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, ridden before 3 out, one pace, 4th of 13, 10 1/2l behind Kruzhlinin (10-13) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (1) hvy in Nov.
Progress Drive (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, went 3rd from 2 out, every chance last, kept on same pace, 4th of 5, 2 1/4l behind Brio Conti (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov.
Shades Of Midnight 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders early, in rear and in touch, ridden and one pace from last, last of 5, 4 3/4l behind Brio Conti (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov.
Catchamat 5-1 (11-5) Prominent, not fluent 3rd, led before 3 out, clear flat, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m 6f (4) sft in Jan beating Dubai Angel (11-12) by 5l, 11 ran.
