prominent and chasing leaders 9th, kept on one pace from 2 out
in rear and lost touch after 5th, tailed off from 6th
held up in touch, improved from halfway, hrd ridden 3 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression
led and mistake 1st, lost place 9th, gradually weakened from 10th
prominent and jumped well, improved to lead 10th, drew clear 2 out, stayed on strongly towards finish
Simply Gifted Good hurdler who has taken well to fences. Holds Hannigan's Lodger on his Huntingdon win in December, and failed to stay two-and-a-half miles at Newcastle last time, in a Grade Two event. Should handle this going and could give Rodock something to think about.
Michigan Blue Moderate form, still a maiden and totally outclassed here.
Rodock (FR) High-class hurdler who made a very impressive chasing debut here when beating Gastina with the minimum of fuss. Drop back in trip should not prove too big a problem, and he looks a top-class prospect over fences. Very hard to beat here if in the same mood.
Hannigan's Lodger (IRE) Fair sort who was a remote third to Best Mate at Sandown recently. Held by Simply Gifted on earlier form, and probably best over further so hard to fancy in this hot race.
Whitenzo (FR) Has won both races since joining Paul Nicholls from France, slamming Corniche by 25 lengths in similar ground at Taunton last time. Another with huge potential, and fascinating to see if he can cope with Rodock.
