tracked winner until weakened from 3 out
tracked leaders, chased winner from 3 out, kept on and no impression
in rear and in touch, weakened from 7 out
made all, clear before 2 out
A disappointing turnout numerically for this Grade 2. North Hill Harvey beat Sceau Royal at Cheltenham in October but had no answer to that rival in the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown in December. Diego Du Charmil, three times a hurdles winner, made a successful debut over fences at Newton Abbot in September but disappointed on a return visit the following month. Drumcliff never won over hurdles but has been a revelation over fences, winning a handicap at Wincanton on his debut then scoring by 12 lengths over 2m3f at Ascot where he jumped very well. The five-year-old SAINT CALVADOS, three times a winner over hurdles in France, has made most and jumped superbly in both victories over fences at Newbury and could be something a bit special.
North Hill Harvey 11-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, led 8th, headed before 3 out, rallied next, held in 3rd when hampered and left in 2nd at last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Sceau Royal (11-2) at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Dec.
Diego Du Charmil (FR) 10-11fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 9th until ridden after 3 out, 3rd and well held last, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Shantou Rock (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m (3) gd in Oct.
Drumcliff (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Confidently ridden, raced wide, waited with in last pair, smooth headway tracking leaders 10th, led on bit soon after 3 out, over 5 lengths ahead last, further clear run-in, very easily, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Russborough (10-10) by 12l, 7 ran.
Saint Calvados (FR) 5-4fav (11-8) Raced keenly and jumped well, tracked leader, led before 3rd (water), 3 lengths ahead going strongly 3 out, very easily, won at Newbury 2m hcp (1) sft in Jan beating Tree Of Liberty (11-2) by 10l, 4 ran.
