led and not jumped well, jumped left throughout, weakened after 3 out
tracked leader and hit 2nd, led after 3rd, mistake 7th, blunder and reminders 12th, clear 14th, blundered again 4 out, 6 lengths clear 3 out, fading and headed approaching 2 out
tracked leaders and bumped 1st, closer order 10th, ridden 4 out, led approaching 2 out
held up and mistakes, plugged on, took 2nd approaching last
jumped left 1st, always in rear, ridden 14th, pulled up before 4 out
It's very hard to look beyond Afrad, who was easily the best of the quintet over hurdles. Captain Windsor and Ice Crystal can do their bit to make a race of it but look to face an uphill task. Ice Crystal is not straight forward but has show an aptitude in this sphere. His confidence will have been boosted by a hurdling success at Sedgefield five days ago and he should again run his race. Captain Windsor landed a point-to-point before joining Paul Nicholls and it is unfeasible to think a race cannot be found for him in due course. However, he faes a smart recruit in Afrad, who already has experience of fences and the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding gets a confident vote here.
Afrad (FR) 13-2 (11-4) Chased winner throughout, ridden to challenge approaching 2 out, hit last, no extra, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Labelthou (11-1) at Haydock 2m 7f hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Captain Windsor (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Chased leader, mistake 11th, blundered 12th, led 13th to 14th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 8, well behind Howrwenow (11-6) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Dec.
Ice Crystal 16-1 (11-5) In touch, led 3 out, ridden after next, stayed on under pressure flat, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf beating Forever Eyesofblue (10-12) by 2l, 8 ran.
Vanishing Dancer (SWI) 12-1 (11-1) Held up last, ridden 11th and soon struggling, behind until rallied and stayed on strongly flat, 4th of 5, 5l behind Craven (11-4) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd in Mar.
Dickinsbury Lass 16-1 (10-6) Held up, driven along from 9th, beaten when pulled up 3 out in race won by Which Pocket (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Mar, 8 ran.
