tracked leader and keen, hit 3rd, fell heavily 6th
led until before 3 out, chased winner, pushed along before lost 2nd next, no extra in 3rd
raced wide in close 3rd, left 2nd at 6th, led before 3 out, ridden between last, 2 lengths ahead last, drew clear run-in
held up off the pace in 4th, left in modest 3rd at 6th, closed under pressure after 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, 2 lengths down and driven when blundered last, no chance after
SWITCH HITTER has won two of his last three outings over course and distance. A further 5lb rise is negated by a conditional’s allowance and another bold bid is expected from Paul Nicholls’ charge. Prince Escalus is upped in class off an 8lb higher mark after winning at Market Rasen, with Sir Valentine well beaten in fifth, while Oscar Rose reverts to the smaller obstacles bidding for a hat-trick having ended last year with victories over fences at Hereford and at this track.
Switch Hitter (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Pressed leader, led 2 out, joined when dived last, strongly pressed and hung right run-in, stayed on to assert towards finish, won at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Mar beating Breffniboy (11-6) by nk, 8 ran.
Prince Escalus (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Disputed lead early stages, chased leader in 2nd after the 5th, shaken up and upped tempo when taking lead run home turn, led narrowly 2 out, disputing the lead when ridden last, kept on strongly run-in, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Mar beating Gunsight Ridge (11-5) by 3l, 8 ran.
Oscar Rose (IRE) 9-4fav (11-10) Jumped boldly throughout, made all, clear approaching last, unchallenged, won at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Nov beating Jubilympics (11-2) by 20l, 6 ran.
Sir Valentine (GER) 8-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, weakened after the last, 5th of 8, 20 3/4l behind Prince Escalus (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
