held up in rear, hit 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, challenged last, all out to lead close home
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5 out, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten
tracking leaders when fell 2nd
led, hit 4 out, ridden approaching next, joined last, headed and no extra towards finish
tracked leader, fell 5 out
Skippers Cleuch made a pleasing enough debut over fences when defeating Interdit at Kelso and he is the TEAMtalk selection to follow up under his penalty. The gelding from the Len Lungo yard was a good hurdler and he is still held in very high regard and will be hard to beat. Jardin de Beaulieu rates the main danger on hurdles form but he was far from fluent with his fencing at Kempton last time and he will have to have improved in that department to shake up the favourite. Jorn du Soleil is a French import who has shown a modicum of ability but he will have to improve significantly to score on this his chase debut. Devil's Run won a handicap hurdle at Newcastle last season and he will strip fitter for his latest run but this is his first run over fences and he is sure to improve for the experience. Mister Dave's and Benefit look outclassed.
