in rear, not much room 2nd, pushed along after 3 out, went 3rd when slow 2 out, soon ridden, pressing for 2 lengths 2nd when left 2nd last, led flat, stayed on
led, ridden and 2 lengths ahead last, headed flat, no extra towards finish
tracked leader, close up 2 out, joined for 2 lengths 2nd when mistake and unseated rider last
held up in touch, jumped right, not fluent and lost place 2nd, not fluent 3rd, mistake 5th, closed 3 out, ridden and weakening when hampered 2 out, left 3rd last
chased leaders, pushed along and losing ground in 4th when bad mistake and unseated rider 2 out
A fascinating renewal of this Grade 2. There are only five runners but all can be given some sort of chance. Deafening Silence returned from a year off to win easily at Exeter but SOUTHOFTHEBORDER can remain unbeaten having already won a point, a bumper and a hurdle. Josh The Boss has taken to hurdles like a duck to water. He’s a relentless galloper who stays well and loves the soft ground so should run his race again, though Jamie Neild can’t utilise his claim in a race of this value. Insurrection was impressive on hurdling debut at Exeter while Personal Ambition beat a subsequent winner at Warwick and should also have more to offer.
Deafening Silence (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, pushed along and outpaced briefly home turn, soon rallied, went 2nd before 2 out, led soon after 2 out, driven clear from last, won at Exeter 2m 6f (3) gs in Nov beating Wrappedupinmay (11-0) by 7 1/2l, 6 ran.
Insurrection (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Jumped well, made all, came clear from 2 out, unchallenged, won at Exeter 2m 1f (3) gs in Nov beating Diamond Ri (11-0) by 8 1/2l, 15 ran.
Josh The Boss 6-4fav (11-5) Made all, pushed along before omitted 2 out, ran on strongly, unchallenged (three hurdles in home straight omitted due to low sun), won at Aintree 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov beating Magical King (10-13) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Personal Ambition (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, not fluent next, ran on, won at Warwick 2m 3f (4) sft in Nov beating Jingko Blue (10-13) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Southoftheborder (IRE) 8-15fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led before 2 out, stayed on well, readily, won at Sandown 2m mdn (4) sft in Nov beating Spirits Bay (11-4) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
