2nd until 6th, chased leaders, ridden after 13th, led from 3 out, stayed on
led, mistake 10th, hit 3 out and headed, stayed on same pace flat
not always fluent, in touch, took keen hold, jumped right 1st, 4th but still in touch when slipped badly on landing 4 out and lost any chance, clambered over next and pulled up
tracked leaders, every chance when slipped badly on landing 4 out, lost all chance and pulled up
NonRunner
Coup De Pinceau made an impressive start over fences at Exeter where he made all. He only had two rivals to beat but jumped well and will take some catching. However, he finished 13 lengths behind Red River in a novices' hurdle at Wincanton last October and the winner, who also scored at Musselburgh in February, makes his chasing bow and receives 10lb. THECLOCKISTICKING has some fine form over hurdles in tough company and had a nice introduction over fences at Fakenham when only having one to beat so he can go in again though Darius Des Bois, a winner over hurdles at Newbury in March and the youngest in the line-up, is bred to be a long-distance chaser so he's another to keep an eye on. Head To The Stars had plenty of decent form over timber though will need to get over his fall on his chasing bow at Exeter.
Coup De Pinceau (FR) (11-1) Made most, drew readily clear from 4 out, in no danger after, unextended, won at Exeter 3m (2) gd in Nov beating Hoo Bally Diva (10-8) by 8l, 3 ran.
Darius Des Bois (FR) 2-1fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 4 out, led narrowly next, mistake last, ridden and headed flat, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Ocean Cove (11-2) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Head To The Stars 18-1 (11-8) In rear, fell 6 out, at Exeter 3m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Red River (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) In touch, pressed leader after 4th, led narrowly 9th, made rest, 2 lengths advantage when blundered 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well under pressure flat, won at Musselburgh 3m (2) sft in Feb beating Mr Whipped (11-8) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Theclockisticking (IRE) 1-12fav (11-4) Made all, jumped left at times, clear approaching last, comfortable, won at Fakenham 3m (3) gd in Nov beating Len Brennan (11-4) by 5l, 2 ran.