chased clear leader, closed 5th, led on long run to 3 out, soon clear, stayed on well, easily
always in rear division
held up in rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
in touch in chasing group, behind from 4th, tailed off
prominent in chasing group, went moderate 3rd after 3 out
always behind
prominent in chasing group, hit 4 out, no impression after next
behind, ridden 3 out, never in contention
led, raced freely and soon well clear, reduced lead 5th, headed on long run to 3 out, weakened rapidly
mistake 1st, held up, brief effort approaching 3 out, soon beaten
Orcadian is certainly not straight-forward but he has the ability and he gets the vote today, with White On Black, Paddy's Tern, and Constable Burton making up the shortlist. The selection is a bit of a nut-job but on his day he can be exceptional, and after only being beaten seven lengths in the Totesport Trophy Hurdle last time out, James Eustace's charge certainly has the recent form to his name. He loves testing conditions and should go well despite top-weight. White On Black has a long absence to overcome, however if fit enough he may have place claims at a big price, whilst the form of Paddy's Tern's last win looks solid enough and he warrants plenty of respect. Constable Burton appears to be better over the obstacles than he is on the flat and is another who could go well if fit after his lengthy absence. Picot De Say's feather-weight means that he isn't without a shout, however we will side with the head-strong Orcadian to make his class tell and land the spoils.
Orcadian 16-1 (10-9) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 9th of 20, 7l behind Heathcote (10-6) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Feb.
Dalaram (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Mid-division, pushed along before 6th, weakened approaching 7th, 7th of 8, 29l behind Wizard of Us (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) hvy in Feb.
French Saulaie (FR) 5-1 (10-5) In rear, hit 4th, rapid headway to lead next, headed approaching 8th, weakened after 3 out, 11th of 14, well behind Overstrand (11-7) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Master Albert (IRE) 12-1 (10-3) In rear, reminders after 4th, well behind from 6th, 6th of 8, 28l behind Wizard of Us (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) hvy in Feb.
Blaeberry 9-2 (10-0) Raced wide, tracking leaders, went 2nd 6th, led after 3 out, headed when blundered 2 out, beaten after, last of 6, 9l behind Refinement (11-12) at Kempton 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec.
White On Black (GER) 8-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway 3rd, weakened approaching 3 out, 3rd of 16, 31l behind Chiaro (11-7) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) gs.
Paddy's Tern 9-1 (10-10) Held up, not fluent 3rd, headway next, led approaching 2 out, stayed on well, won at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Feb beating Hot Zone (11-4) by 9l, 10 ran.
Mikado Melody (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Held up, blundered badly 3rd, soon well behind and pulled up at the 6th in race won by Desert Air (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 1f beg chs (4) hvy in Feb, 6 ran.
Constable Burton 8-1 (11-1) Made all, soon clear, hit 3 out, ridden after next, held on well, won at Perth 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Sept '05 beating Dubonai (10-13) by 2l, 13 ran.
Picot de Say 10-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway 2 out, every chance when fell at the last in race won by Amour Multiple (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan, 9 ran.
