tracked leaders, led 10th, strongly challenged from 3 out, forged clear closing stages, kept on well under pressure (3 fences ommited)
led until 5th, led again 9th, mistake when headed next, slow 12th, blundered badly and well recovered next, mistake 5 out, soon weakened, behind when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
tracked leader, led 5th, headed 9th, lost place 12th, rallied next, ridden and every chance last, no extra closing stages
chased leaders, driven to challenge 2 out, soon under pressure and weakened
SPECIAL PORTRAIT put an end to a string of placed efforts when winning at Carlisle last month. He beat the re-opposing Bright Cloud by 19 lengths and, though the latter could finish closer this time, it's unlikely she'll prevent Mark Hughes' charge following up at short-odds. Belon Gale has the past form to figure but was pulled up on both starts last year and Oranger's only win came in one of these events back in 2010.
Special Portrait (IRE) Evensfav (12-1) Held up in touch, went 2nd before 4 out, challenged 3 out, ridden before 2 out, led before last, soon clear, won at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) sft in Mar beating Bright Cloud (11-2) by 19l, 8 ran.
Belon Gale (IRE) 50-1 (12-5) Wl bhnd when fell 13, in a race won by Moment of Madness (12-5) at Hutton Rudby 3m ptp gd in Mar, 6 ran.
Oranger (FR) 40-1 (12-7) Prom til outpcd 13, 5th of 8, 15l behind Offshore Account (12-0) at Barbury Racecourse 3m ptp in Dec.
Bright Cloud (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 10th, led after 5 out, headed before and mistake last, soon weakened, 2nd of 8, 19l behind Special Portrait (12-1) at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) sft in Mar.
