held up rear, shaken up and headway after 8th, ridden approaching last, closing on winner close home but held
held up, behind from 6th
tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace
tracked leaders throughout, effort and headway 4 out, led soon after 2 out, jumped left last and ran on
in touch, not fluent 8th, weakened approaching next
Inglis Drever can draw first blood in the clash for the Stayers Hurdle crown with the formidable Baracouda very much preferred over Crystal D'Ainay as the one to chase him home. Korelo looks the pick of the rest on these terms but his chance depends very much on how strong a pace his stablemate Mr Cool can set before he runs out of steam. Crystal D'Ainay is unfortunate to be around at the same time as a couple of smart performers and, although he is respected, it is hard to see him reversing form with the principle player. Baracouda has been a tremendous servant to all concerned with him and he is sure to make this a stiff test for the selection. However, the lack of a recent outing leaves him vulnerable to his race-fit rival and, despite being a dual winner of this race, he looks up against it today. Therefore, Inglis Drever looks the most reliable option at this stage of the campaign and he is expected to cement his place on the leaders board for Order Of Merit today.
Baracouda (FR) 6-5fav (11-10) Held up and behind, headway after 3 out, still going well after 2 out, shaken up and every chance last, ridden and not quicken flat, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Inglis Drever (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Carlys Quest 33-1 (11-5) Always in rear, struggling before 9th, tailed off, 15th of 17, well behind Standin Obligation (11-2) at Cheltenham 3m 1f lst hcp hdl (A) gs.
Crystal d'Ainay (FR) 13-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, driven and outpaced next, no impression, 4th of 11, 14l behind Inglis Drever (11-8) at Wetherby 3m 1f hdl Grd 2 (A) sft in Oct.
Inglis Drever 2-1fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, headway on inside 4 out, driven to lead 2 out, ridden and kept on flat, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hdl Grd 2 (A) sft in Oct beating Redemption (11-0) by 3l, 11 ran.
Korelo (FR) 9-2 (11-2) Held up, left chasing leaders after 2nd, joined leader 8th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, fell last, remounted, continued, 6th of 9, well behind Monet's Garden (11-10) at Aintree 3m hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Apr.
Mr Cool 13-2 (11-0) Led until headed well before 2 out, chased winner to 2 out, weakened and lost moderate 3rd run-in, 4th of 6, 12l behind No Refuge (11-4) at Windsor 2m 4f hdl Grd 2 (A) gd.
