took keen hold, close up, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden after last, not quicken
chased leader, led after 3 out, shaken up after 2 out, ran on strongly
led, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened before next
held up behind leaders, pulled up before 3 out
close up, struggling 3 out, weakened before 2 out
Katchit gets the confident vote in this grade 2 hurdle with Amaretto Rose and Blythe Knight rating the main dangers. The selection has been running in good company of late and was a good second behind Osana last time out, that form looks rock solid in the context of this race and he need only run up to that mark to win this with a little in hand. Amaretto Rose was third behind Ebaziyan when last seen but she may just need the run after a 340 day break and she is taken on with this in mind. Blythe Knight was behind Katchit when they last met and although he should improve for this faster ground he still has a little to find. Alph has plenty to find on official ratings while Lemon Silk and Osako are others that look outclassed and for the winner we return to Katchit who will be hard to beat.
Alph 25-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 6, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 13th of 16, 30l behind Kanad (9-7) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl (2) gf in Nov.
Blythe Knight (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Held up, outpaced 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 8, 35l behind Harchibald (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Katchit (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Mid-division, moved closer after 3rd, chased winner between last 2, 3 lengths down last, soon no impression, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Osana (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Dec.
Osako D'airy (FR) 16-1 (11-0) Chased leader, led 5th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, switched left approaching last, weakened flat, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Afsoun (11-8) at Sandown 2m hdl Grd 2 (1) sft.
Amaretto Rose 2-1fav (11-0) Close up, challenging and going well when bumped 2 out, every chance when hit last, unable to quicken run-in, 3rd of 22, 3 1/2l behind Ebaziyan (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Mar.
Lemon Silk (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Mid-division and keen, weakened 4 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Franchoek (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec, 12 ran.