tracked leaders, took closer order 8th, led 6 out, strongly challenged 2 out, headed before last, rallied closing stages, kept on well
prominent, led 1st, headed 5th, led again before next, headed 11th, led again next, headed 6 out, weakened after next, behind when pulled up 2 out
chasing leaders when fell 10th
held up in rear but in touch, left in 4th at 10th, smooth headway 5 out, led approaching last, hard pressed closing stages, stayed on well
led until 1st, remained prominent, led again 5th, headed before next, mistake 8th, led again 11th, headed when blundered next, every chance 4 out, weakened 2 out, modest 3rd
Masters Hill did very well in staying events last season finishing a close second twice before landing a similar race to this comfortably at Exeter. Barafundle came late to chasing but made a successful debut over this trip at Uttoxeter, when the favourite Deputy Dan, who had some very strong earlier form, unseated his rider, before finding 2m4f too short on his only subsequent start. Winning point to pointer and hurdler Blakemount gets allowances but has plenty to do so it is SALUBRIOUS who looks the one to be on. The Paul Nicholls charge looked a tremendous staying hurdling prospect a couple of years ago finishing runner up in Listed and Grade 2 contests at Cheltenham. He scrambled home on his chasing bow at Fontwell just over a year ago but is expected to do well over fences this campaign and is still in the Paddy Power.
Masters Hill (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Mid-division, hampered 15th, under pressure when badly hampered and brought down after 4 out, at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) gd in Mar.
Barafundle (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) Led, headed before 3 out, kept on and no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Tango De Juilley (11-8) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Apr.
Deputy Dan (IRE) 4-1fav (11-7) Chased leaders, mistake and unseated rider 7th, at Uttoxeter 3m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Salubrious (IRE) 1-5fav (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, mistake 10th, led before last, ridden and edged left run-in, just held on towards finish, won at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gd in Oct beating Drum Valley (11-6) by nk, 4 ran.
Blakemount (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Led, not fluent 4th, headed between last 2, kept on same pace, no extra when lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 8, 5 3/4l behind One For Arthur (11-0) at Kelso 2m 7f (4) gd in Oct.
