held up behind leaders, took closer order 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next
tracked leaders, led 3rd, edged left and blundered last, driven out
took keen hold, held up behind leaders, took closer order 4th, chased winner approaching 2 out, ridden and effort soon after, every chance last, no extra
prominent until 3rd, dropped to fifth approaching 3 out, soon ridden and one pace
chased leaders until 4th, gradually lost touch
led until 3rd, chased winner, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
It's almost impossible to escape the claims of Detroit City as he rolls onwards towards the Champion Hurdle; while Straw Bear and Arcalis face the acid test as to whether they will head to Cheltenham with each-way claims on the biggest stage. Whispered Promises is better over slightly further but has stronger claims of causing an upset than Contraband or Ichi Beau. The unpredictable Arcalis was best of the home-trained contingent in last year's Champion Hurdle but has been way below that form this term. He needs to get his act together quickly if he is to stop the rot. Straw Bear has a dented reputation to repair after fluffing his lines at Kempton over Christmas. He did scope dirty after that race, so can be forgiven the run. Even so, like the rest, he appears to be up against the wall in his bid to overturn Detroit City, who is expected to extend his winning run to seven on the bounce without too much fuss.
Arcalis 8-1 (11-12) Held up, chased leaders 3 out, ridden after next, mistake when weakening last, 6th of 8, 33l behind Afsoun (11-8) at Haydock 2m hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Detroit City (USA) 4-6fav (11-4) Made all, reached for 3rd, jumped slightly right next two, quickened pace after 2 out, stayed on, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Dec beating Hardy Eustace (11-8) by 1l, 4 ran.
Straw Bear (USA) 4-6fav (11-7) Keen hold, held up in touch, went 2nd before 3 out, driven and no response when hit 2 out, lost moderate 3rd flat, 4th of 7, 11l behind Jazz Messenger (11-7) at Kempton 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Contraband 50-1 (11-4) Mid-division, hit 3rd, dropped rear 7th, behind from 9th, 11th of 12, well behind Exotic Dancer (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec.
Ichi Beau (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Made all, ridden out, won at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Jan beating Salinas (10-12) by 2l, 5 ran.
Whispered Promises (USA) 9-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Verasi (10-4) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan, 17 ran.
