in touch in main group, headway to chase leader after 4th, led 6th, hit 2 out, ridden when mistake last, ran on well
held up, raced keenly, jumped right 1st, headway approaching 6th, every chance when jumped right 3 out, soon ridden, beaten when jumped right last
held up in rear, some headway after 6th, soon weakened, tailed off
chased leaders, not fluent 4th, lost place before next, no chance from 6th
held up in rear, headway approaching 6th, chased winner 2 out, challenged last, no extra towards finish
whipped round as tape went, led, soon clear, mistake and headed 6th, soon weakened, hit 3 out
held up, mistake 5th, good headway to go 2nd 6th, carried right 3 out, beaten approaching 2 out
raced keenly, chased clear leader, wandered 2nd, lost place after 4th, soon well behind, tailed off when pulled up before 6th
held up in rear, pulled hard, mistake 1st, headway after 4th, weakened approaching 3 out
Just the two to concentrate on here and preference is for SILK HALL ahead of Pepite De Soleil. Criterion is probably most interesting of the remainder having been a useful performer during his previous career on the level and having shaped with a modicum of ability on his hurdling bow at Doncaster but it's third at best if the two principals post clear rounds. Pepite De Soleil was highly tried but was no match for Walkon in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow and was rather disappointing when her sights were lowered at Wincanton. She's better than that form suggests but Alan King saddled the runner-up so it's interesting that he takes her on with Silk Hall. The selection burst a blood vessel on debut but proved that running all wrong when running out a convincing winner of a fair race at Newbury. Pepite De Soleil promises to be a tougher rival than any he met in Berkshire but he's a bright prospect who will be suited by this track and Silk Hall is fancied to go in again.
Silk Hall (UAE) 13-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, headway to lead approaching 2 out, clear before last, drew right away flat, won at Newbury 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Feb beating Tasheba (10-12) by 14l, 15 ran.
Pepite De Soleil (FR) 1-3fav (10-9) won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Santia (10-11) by a nk, 11 ran.
Bombardier Wells 50-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway approaching 2f out, quickened to chase leader inside final furlong, stayed on to lead post, won at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (6) pol in Feb beating Inquest (8-12) by a nk, 9 ran (Flat).
Criterion 18-1 (10-5) Held up mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 17l behind Higgy's Boy (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Dinarius 40-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 14, 16l behind Akarshan (11-2) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Galley Slave (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) In touch, hit 3rd, led 5th, clear 4 out, soon hung right, headed soon after 2 out, blundered and lost 3rd last, 4th of 9, 20l behind Gloucester (10-11) at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
King's Alchemist 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 11, 28l behind Elk Trail (11-5) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Running Buck (USA) 14-1 (8-3) In touch until weakened quickly over 2f out, last of 12, 15l behind Barodine (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol (Flat).
Samurai Warrior 9-1 (10-7) Towards rear, mistake 5th, headway 3 out, one pace, 4th of 14, 23l behind Izita Star (10-8) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
It's My Day (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, in touch, ridden and effort approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Inch Lodge (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb (Flat).
Idle Words (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, 7th 4 out, no impression before next, kept on one pace straight, 7th of 11, 33l behind Chevalier Country (11-6) at Fairyhouse 2m hdl sft.
