tracked winner until pushed along 3 out, soon behind, kept on to go poor 2nd towards finish
made all, soon clear, unchallenged, won in a canter
ECLAIR D’AINAY, a 144-rated chaser, hasn’t run over hurdles since October 2020 but should enjoy a confidence-booster in this without coming off the bridle. Hero can beat Artic Breeze to the runner-up spot.
Artic Breeze (IRE) 80-1 (11-10) In rear, slow jump 1st, lost touch before 7th, pulled up after 3 out, at Southwell 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jan.
Eclair D'Ainay (FR) 22-1 (11-12) Jumped left, chased leaders, lost place before 2nd, behind 3rd, not fluent next, tailed off 6th, 6th of 8, dist behind Third Time Lucki (11-11) at Sandown 1m 7f hcp (2) gs in Feb.
Hero (FR) 50-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th went badly right next, plugged on in remote 5th from 3 out, 5th of 8, dist behind Hourvari (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f (4) sft in Mar.