led narrowly to after 4 out, outpaced next, ridden to chase clear pair approaching 2 out, no chance after, lost modest 3rd closing stages
chased leaders, 5th when fell 4 out
tracked leaders, smooth headway into 3rd after 3 out, led next, soon ridden, clear between last 2, kept on, comfortably
tracked leaders, disputed lead after 4 out, ridden after next, lost place approaching 2 out, no chance between last 2, plugged on to take modest 3rd closing stages
with leader on outside, led after 4 out, headed 2 out, soon ridden and no chance with winner, kept on same pace
held up in last pair, outpaced 3 out, never a threat, tailed off 2 out
held up in last pair, pushed along after 5th, lost touch after next, tailed off 4 out, pulled up next
Daryl Jacob and his retainer Simon Munir had a brilliant Aintree and the jockey travels up for just the one ride. DELIRE D’ESTRUVAL won a Listed race at Haydock in the autumn and was last seen running in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham. He should outclass this bunch, despite the double penalty. Ayr bumper winner Calix Delafayette has had a wind operation since a modest fifth at Hexham in November and is probably capable of better with the mare Koala Keel is preferred to Sunny Destination of the others.
Delire D'Estruval (FR) 50-1 (11-4) Led until after 2nd, stayed handy, ridden and weakened before last, 16th of 23, 27 3/4l behind Blow By Blow (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Mar.
Ask Jd (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, in 4th from 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 10, 35l behind Lord Napier (11-9) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) sft in Mar.
Calix Delafayette (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, ridden before last, one pace, 5th of 10, 15 1/2l behind Go Go Lucas (10-12) at Hexham 2m mdn (4) sft in Nov.
Johnny Pedlar 33-1 (11-2) In rear, in 4th before 2 out, never dangerous, 5th of 6, 27 1/2l behind Grand Morning (11-8) at Ayr 2m (4) hvy in Feb.
Sunny Destination (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 25 3/4l behind Caventara (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
Koala Keel (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Led, headed before 4 out, pushed along and lost place before 2 out, 5th of 9, 33l behind Going Gold (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) gd in Mar.
L'attendue (IRE) 50-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, outpaced 4 out, 4th of 6, 23l behind Cosy Club (10-12) at Wetherby 2m mdn (5) sft in Mar.
