chased leader, led soon after 3 out, pushed along and headed before last, soon beaten, weakened and lost 2nd close home
pulled hard in rear, mistakes 3 out and 2 out, soon outpaced, ridden and went 3rd approaching last, stayed on to take 2nd close home, no chance with winner
led, hit 7th, pushed along and headed soon after 3 out, weakened 2 out, tired 4th when mistake last
held up 3rd, improved after 7th, mistake 3 out, went 2nd and wandered 2 out, shaken up to lead before last, stayed on well
ESPION was a 33/1 chance when third at Sandown in December but that is the best form on offer in this. Gustavian looks the danger having won on heavy going at Exeter on his hurdling debut even though Archie Brown got off the mark at the second attempt in maiden company at Market Rasen. Eglantier has some improving to do to figure but will act on the going
Archie Brown (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Raced keenly, held up in touch, tracked leaders after 5th, upsides when mistake 2 out, led narrowly approaching last, driven clear flat, kept on, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f mdn (5) sft in Feb beating Riggs (11-4) by 2 3/4l, 13 ran.
Gustavian (IRE) 4-7fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, 2nd on inside going strongly on long run before 3 out, led 3 out, clear from last, kept on well, won at Exeter 2m 1f mdn (4) hvy in Jan beating Tricky Customer (11-4) by 4l, 16 ran.
Eglantier (FR) 18-1 (11-6) Raced keenly, led and steady pace, headed 2 out, chased leader until between last 2, weakened soon after, 5th of 10, 16 3/4l behind Craigneiche (11-6) at Doncaster 2m 5f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
Espion (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders 3 out, one pace next, driven and stayed on to take 3rd towards finish, no chance with easy winner, 3rd of 13, 9 1/2l behind Fiddlerontheroof (10-12) at Sandown 2m (3) hvy in Dec.
