UP AND GO will be a very short price in this opener. Already a winner between the flags and in a bumper, he wasn't unfancied when falling in a Grade 2 hurdle at Sandown in December. Donald McCain's charge made amends with a smooth victory over this trip at Wetherby subsequently and has little to beat here. Phoenix Returns is probably the one for forecast-backers as he's been placed here and at Kelso, though still has his stamina to prove over this longer trip.
Up And Go (FR) 13-8fav (11-2) Made all, clear from 3 out, easily, won at Wetherby 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) sft in Jan beating Many Clouds (11-12) by 7l, 17 ran.
Ballet D'anges (FR) 66-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, behind when hit 7th, pulled up after, in a race won by Green Flag (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Bold Slasher (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, weakened from 7th, blundered 4 out, 7th of 10, well behind Midnight Oscar (10-12) at Doncaster 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Phoenix Returns (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, went poor 3rd 2 out, one pace and no impression, 3rd of 11, 22l behind Counsel (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Shouda (IRE) 80-1 (11-6) Mid-division on inside, mistake and weakened 6th, soon behind, tailed off, 14th of 15, well behind King Helissio (11-6) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.
