prominent, jumped slow 3rd, lost place 5th, ridden before 4 out, kept on one pace from 2 out
led, mistake 7th, pushed along and headed 4 out, switched right before next, ridden approaching 2 out, rallied after last, stayed on well to lead final strides
held up in touch, took closer order 4th, not fluent next, hit 4 out, soon pushed along, weakening when slow next
in touch, took closer order 5th, not fluent 7th, led going well 4 out, pushed along and went clear 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on from last until no extra and headed final strides
CENOTICE was conceding the runner-up 9lb when battling to a course and distance victory last month and came up against an improver at Ludlow next time. He can get back to winning ways though Haydock winner Oscars Leader was in touch when unseating three out at Uttoxeter. Black Pirate was found to have a heart problem when beaten a distance in this a year ago though he'd earlier won between the flags, landed two bumpers and scored twice over hurdles. Four-times winning hurdler Ar Mest has been placed in seven of nine starts over fences without winning.
Cenotice 9-4 (11-9) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 4 out, every chance 2 out, ridden between last two, no extra and well held run-in, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Galop De Chasse (11-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gs in Feb.
Oscars Leader (IRE) 7-2cfav (11-7) Led, ridden and pressed 4 out, mistake and unseated rider 3 out when still in contention, at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Black Pirate 5-1 (12-0) Prominent, hampered 5th, mistake next, reminder and weakened before 3 out, 4th of 5, dist behind Ain't My Fault (11-11) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Ar Mest (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on final 100 yards, not able to get back on terms, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Weebill (11-7) at Leicester 2m (4) sft in Feb.
