made all, unchalenged throughout, eased close home
tracked winner, hit 4th, ridden and lost touch after 3 out
Barring mishaps this is a match between PRIDE OF DULCOTE and Bakbenscher and the former holds all the aces. Paul Nicholls' runner enjoyed a confidence boosting clear round over course and distance following his fall at Cheltenham to put his season back on track and earn leading quotes for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. He has 30lbs in hand on official ratings but Bakbenscher is entitled to improve now stepping up in trip and is no mug. He made hard work of landing the odds at Stratford and disappointed in a hot race at Ascot before scoring last time but he's heading the right way and should come into his own now granted a test of stamina. Song Sung Blue will win races but not today's which should provide Pride Of Dulcote with easy pickings.
Pride of Dulcote (FR) 15-8fav (10-5) Pulled early and chased leader, joint leader 2nd, led 6th, clear approaching 2 out, shaken up approaching last, easily, won at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec beating Galient (10-2) by 16l, 8 ran.
Song Sung Blue (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and challenged approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Special Occasion (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Bakbenscher 11-2 (11-5) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, challenged 2 out, led soon after, jumped slowly last, stayed on well flat, won at Newbury 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Captain Americo (10-12) by 3l, 16 ran.
