made all, steadily drew well clear from approaching 2 out, eased towards finish
held up, took closer order 6th, went 3rd next, mistake 9th, chased winner approaching 3 out, ridden and no impression after, lost 2nd 2 out, plugged on to regain 2nd again flat
chased leading pair until 7th, ridden and struggling after 9th
in touch in chasing group, ridden after 9th, chased winner 2 out, no chance, lost 2nd flat
pressed winner, took keen hold, lost 2nd before 3 out, weakened after
held up and behind, not fluent 8th, headway approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out
held up in rear, pulled hard, not jumped well, weakened 9th
Cryptic is the solid one here despite his penalty and gets the vote with Aux Le Bahnn looking the biggest danger on the book. He has shown a decent level of form in winning three of his five starts with his defeats coming on debut and on his sole run in a handicap. He has no easy task giving weight away but looks sure to run his race. Aux Le Bahnn is well regarded and made a promising return when looking in need of the run; he was well supported next time out but failed to deliver and consequently has a little to prove now; this longer trip should suit. Neither Geneva Bay nor Pharanto excelled on their hurdling bows, they could well leave that form behind but are best watched unless the market suggests to the contrary. Cryptic has solid claims and will do for us.
Cryptic 6-4fav (11-8) Made all, stayed on strongly from 2 out, clear last, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gs in Jan beating Earth Planet (11-0) by 11l, 7 ran.
Aux Le Bahnn (IRE) 4-5fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway approaching 6th, left in lead 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace flat, 2nd of 14, 9l behind Inghwung (10-11) at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gs in Feb.
Geneva Bay 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden after 9th, soon weakened, 6th of 20, well behind Sound Accord (11-0) at Newbury 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Pharanto (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Mid-division, under pressure after 7th, soon beaten, 14th of 15, well behind Earth Crystal (11-3) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Posh Dude (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) In rear when hampered 3rd, tailed off when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Rimsky (10-11) at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (5) sft in Dec, 13 ran.
R'Cam (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Led until 4th, led 7th until 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up 2 out in race won by Rodrigo Gonzales (11-10) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Rebel Rock (IRE) 80-1 (10-12) In rear, some progress 3 out, 8th of 17, 48l behind Sharajan (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
