Alaphilippe’s win in a bumper at Ffos Las last month came on heavy going. He has also won a point-to-point so hurdles shouldn’t faze the six-year-old. Big Man Clarence might need this and most of the others are returning from a break but MARTINHAL led for a long way at Wetherby last month and, with that run under his belt, he can open his account here.
Alaphilippe (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Held up in last, headway over 3f out, driven over 1f out, led entering final furlong, stayed on, won at Ffos Las 2m mdn (5) hvy in Oct beating Pats Fancy (10-12) by 1l, 9 ran.
Big Man Clarence (IRE) 7-2 (10-11) Chased leaders, went 2nd at 4th, led on long run before 2 out, headed last strides, 2nd of 11, hd behind Bonza Girl (11-7) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Comotion (FR) 20-1 (11-4) Held up, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, ran on into 3rd, never a threat, 3rd of 16, 4 1/4l behind Sizable Sam (11-4) at Warwick 2m (5) gs in Feb.
Get Your Own (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, went 2nd 4out, 2l 2nd well bef last, still ev ch in 2nd when ro through inner wing last, at Carrigarostig 3m mdn sft in Jan.
Martinhal (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Contested lead, tracked leaders after 5th, hit 4 out, pushed to challenge for lead 3 out, soon outpaced, stayed on one pace, 4th of 11, 18l behind Valleres (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f (4) gs in Oct.
Right Hand Of God 14-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 3 out, weakening when mistake next, 11th of 17, dist behind Fidelio Vallis (11-2) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Feb.
Miss Jeanne Moon (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Held up in rear but in touch, under pressure 3 out, soon no impression, kept on into 3rd, never a threat, 3rd of 5, 12 3/4l behind Legends Ryde (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m 4f (4) hvy in Mar.
