tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd approaching and hit 2 out, ridden and switched left between last 2, stayed on run-in but not quite enough pace to challenge
led, quickened 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened soon after
tracked leaders, quick move to lead before 2 out, ridden and pressed run-in, headed and not quicken towards finish
always last, not fluent 3rd, jumped slowly and left behind 3 out, tailed off and pulled up before next
tracked leader, hit 3rd, pushed along on long run before 2 out, soon lost 2nd, rallied and hit last, stayed on strongly run-in to lead towards finish
held up in last pair, outpaced 2 out, no threat after, plugged on
The returning Elgin should be monitored for any market support as he boasted consistent form at a decent level until injured. But SONG FOR SOMEONE appears to have the best recent form having chased home Champion Hurdle entry Thomas Darby in a hot handicap over a bit further at Ascot five weeks ago. Diego Du Charmil is having a first run over hurdles in almost three years but Zambella should be approaching peak fitness and Ch’tibello has been highly tried since landing last season’s County Hurdle, which is a target again this year.
Ch'tibello (FR) 10-1 (11-7) Held up in last pair, pushed along in modest 5th before 2 out, mistake 2 out, never on terms, 5th of 10, 13 1/4l behind Epatante (11-0) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Quick Grabim (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Raced keenly, chased leaders on inside, weakened on long run before 2 out, 6th of 10, 32 1/4l behind Epatante (11-0) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Diego Du Charmil (FR) 6-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 5 out, led after 3 out, headed before next, rallied and every chance last, not pace of winner closing stages, 2nd of 10, 12l behind Capeland (10-13) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Elgin 5-2fav (9-5) Keen, held up, ridden and headway 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 19 1/4l behind Hamada (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 6f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Song For Someone (GER) 7-1 (11-10) Led, headed after 2 out, soon ridden, ran on gamely flat, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Thomas Darby (11-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (1) hvy in Jan.
Zambella (FR) 33-1 (10-7) Led and soon clear, reduced lead 3rd, headed approaching 2 out, ridden and outpaced in 3rd between last 2, weakened into 4th at the last, 4th of 5, 10 1/2l behind Quel Destin (11-3) at Sandown 2m lst (1) hvy in Feb.
