led, headed soon after 2nd, tracked winner, until 5th, ridden 3 out, outpaced next
tracked leaders, tracked winner 5th, ridden approaching last, not pace to challenge
led soon after 2nd, made rest, jumped well last 4 fences, ran on
close up in rear, went 4th 4 out, outpaced from 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, mistake next, weakened 2 out, pulled up before last
OLOFI, a 140-plus hurdler a couple of years ago, dispelled stamina doubt with a gritty victory over 2m6f at Leicester last month and should have the class to beat these. Kristian Gray jumped well when successful over this trip on his debut under Rules at Leicester and looks progressive while Arthur's Secret also has time on his side and was thriving between the flags around this time last year. Now Ben has won eight times in points and looks the pick of the remainder.
Kristian Gray (IRE) 10-1 (12-2) Chased leaders, lost place after 5th, rallied 6 out, led after next, hard driven 2 out, stayed on well, won at Leicester 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Feb beating Fitz Volonte (12-2) by 5l, 5 ran.
Olofi (FR) 10-3 (12-0) Chased leaders on outside, 2nd 7th until 9th, 2nd again 11th, challenging when left in clear lead 3 out, 16 lengths ahead when slow last, eased close home, won at Leicester 2m 7f (5) hvy in Feb beating Sybarite (12-0) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Arthur's Secret (FR) 2-7fav (11-0) (h) made all; drew clr 15; unchall, won at Bitterley 3m gd in Apr beating Petit Lord (11-2) by 25l, 4 ran.
Lined With Silver (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) (tt) stdy hdwy 15; cl 4th when fell 2 out, at Woodford 3m gs in Apr.
Squirrel Esquire 10-1 (12-3) Hdwy 14; mist 3 out; r.o flat, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Subtle Sovereign (12-0) at Larkhill 3m gd in Jan.
Now Ben (IRE) 5-2 (12-4) A.p; led aft 15; qcknd clr 2 out; easy, won at Cottenham 3m gd in Feb beating Consigliere (12-7) by 7l, 8 ran.
