chased clear winner throughout, never able to challenge easy winner, no chance
took keen hold, held up in last trio and well up the pace, went moderate 3rd and jumped right last
chased leaders, ridden and beaten after 3 out, 4th and no chance when mistake 2 out
given clear lead start, made rest, 20 lengths clear 4th, given breather after next, drew right away approaching 2 out unchallenged
always last, struggling from 4th tailed off
took keen hold, help up in last trio, ridden and beaten 3 out, no chance when hit next
A particularly competitive renewal of the Adonis Hurdle can go the way of Francois Doumen's Parrain, with Poquelin the one to give him most to do. Parrain is taken to reverse placings with Poquelin as he has a 3lb pull in the weights today and will appreciate the softer conditions today. He beat Good Bye Simon (as short as 8/1 for the Triumph) at Auteil in September so his French form looks very solid indeed and he can make his in-form trainer's trip worthwhile. Paul Nicholls' Poquelin did well to win last time over course and distance as he pulled hard early on and if he settles better today there could be even more to come. The form of Gracechurch's last win looks suspect as many failed to run their races and it was only a moderate contest anyway so he is one who would need to improve, whilst Punjabi dotted up on his hurdling debut and is of interest. He was only fair on the flat though and the runner-up that day has let the form down since so he is passed over today. Mon Michel fell when beaten last time out and will need to settle much better, whilst Lord Adonis completes the field but he looks out of his depth again. Ultimately this is very competitive, however we will return to Parrain to land the spoils.
Parrain (FR) 5-1 (11-3) Held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Poquelin (10-12) at Kempton 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Poquelin (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Keen hold, held up in rear, headway after 3 out, ridden to challenge and hit 2 out, led approaching last, pushed out flat, won at Kempton 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Dec beating Liberate (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Gracechurch (IRE) 5-6fav (10-11) Prominent in chasing group, closed to challenge last, soon led, driven out, won at Folkestone 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Cosmologist (11-0) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Punjabi 10-1 (10-12) In touch, smooth headway to lead 3 out, ran on well, comfortably, won at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Jan beating Junior (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Lord Adonis (IRE) 18-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and weakening after 5th, behind when unseated rider at the last in race won by Good Bye Simon (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
Mon Michel (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Mid-division and keen, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, weakened 3 out and fell at the last in race won by Good Bye Simon (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
