in rear, outpaced 5th, behind when pulled up 2 out
tracked clear leader, closed 7th, led 2 out, ran on, comfortable
disputed 3rd until ridden 5 out, weakened 3 out
led and soon clear, reduced lead 7th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened next
disputed 3rd until 5 out, tracked leaders, headway 3 out, ridden next, chased winner approaching next, kept on same pace
Stepney Causeway is likely to adopt her usual trailblazing approach on chasing debut, but in For Pleasure, a faller on chasing bow here, faces a rival who is almost certain to adopt similar tactics which could make for an exciting up-front duel. For Pleasure brought down the re-opposing EDWARDSTONE when falling and it's the Alan King charge, a good-quality hurdler, who is taken to make his class tell in the closing stages and atone for that unfortunate debut run. Elixir De Nutz landed Sandown's Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in early 2019 and must be taken seriously after nearly a year off with the Tizzards back in much better nick. Check him in the market.
Blazer's Mill (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Midfield, headway travelling well 3 out, led narrowly 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on strongly run-in, won at Perth 2m (4) gs in Sep beating Percy's Word (10-12) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Edwardstone 13-8fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, hit 3rd, went 2nd before 5th, every chance when brought down 4 out, at Warwick 2m (3) gs in Nov.
Elixir De Nutz (FR) Evensfav (11-0) Led, ridden slightly and pressed 3 out, headed soon after, left second 2 out but no extra, 2nd of 5, 15l behind Le Patriote (11-5) at Hereford 2m (3) sft in Dec.
For Pleasure (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Led, dived at 1st, soon clear, reduced lead 6th, fell 4 out, at Warwick 2m (3) gs in Nov.
Stepney Causeway 11-8jfav (10-12) Led, tended to jump slightly left, edged left before 4th, ridden and headed last, lost 2nd flat, weakened towards finish, 3rd of 4, 9 1/4l behind I Like To Move It (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
