took keen hold, tracked rival pair, went 2nd at 3rd, led after 5th, hit next, headed after 7th, behind from next, weakened and eased after 4 out, continued, tailed off
tracked winner to 3rd, tracked rival pair, regained 2nd at 8th, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner when mistake next
led to 3rd, tracked leader, led again after 7th, made rest, drew clear before 2 out, unchallenged when ridden between last 2, very easily
NonRunner
A small field but the form should be worth following. Mont Des Avaloirs has won a bumper and two hurdle races but has always looked a chaser in the making and is sure to have had plenty of schooling. Lough Derg Spirit has also won twice over timber and was successful in a point-to-point in 2016 so is another worth monitoring. Flying Tiger was second over course and distance on his chasing bow but his last win came at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival. MARIA’S BENEFIT (NAP) began her winning run over hurdles here last season. She is a Grade 2 winner and a former winner between the flags and could lead these a merry dance with her mare’s allowance if she gets into a rhythm.
Flying Tiger (IRE) 11-8 (11-2) Held up in rear, tracked front pair after 4th, went 2nd at 6th, switched outside to challenge approaching 2 out, ridden and one pace when went left and not fluent last, readily outpaced flat, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Highway One O One (11-2) at Newton Abbot 2m (3) gs in Sep.
Mont Des Avaloirs (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Raced wide, held up, headway 4th, chased leaders before 2 out, every chance last, ridden and no extra towards finish, 4th of 20, 3 1/2l behind Ballymoy (11-7) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Maria's Benefit (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Took keen hold, led but pressed by rival, clear with that rival after 2nd until before 2 out, headed between last 2, no chance with winner, hung left then right flat, soon lost 2nd and weakened, 4th of 14, 19 3/4l behind Laurina (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Mar.
Lough Derg Spirit (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway on inside chasing leaders before 3 out, hung right approaching 2 out, ridden and weakened between last 2, slightly hampered last, 10th of 19, 26 1/4l behind Soul Emotion (11-6) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Apr.
