jumped left most of time, tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, 4th when mistake last, went 2nd towards finish, not pace of winner
tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, close 2nd when mistake last, no extra, lost 2nd towards finish
with leader, quickened to lead 3 out, ran on strongly from last, eased near finish
led at very steady pace, hit 4th, headed 3 out, ridden and every chance approaching last, kept on same pace
not fluent 1st and 3rd, held up, outpaced 2 out, stayed on from last, not pace of leaders
Group Captain has a bit to prove now after a couple of lacklustre efforts and we'll award our vote to I'msingingtheblues. The selection has had a decent first season over hurdles and arguably ran his best race to date when beaten under 8 lengths in the County Hurdle. Prior to that, he'd finished some way behind Pigeon Island at Kempton but he seems better suited by the demands of Prestbury Park as he showed when beating Snap Tie in November. Pigeon Island has had a very busy season but he was disappointing when heavily backed in the Supreme Novices' and then fell at the first at Aintree. He would have every chance if at his best as would Group Captain who never appeared to be travelling at either spring Festival on his last two starts. The unbeaten Chantaco has made a good start to his career but looks worth taking on as he steps up in class and races on an undulating track for the first time over obstacles. Mudawin was high class on the Flat but didn't show enough on his hurdling bow to be entertained and we're happy to stick with I'msingingtheblues.
Group Captain 9-2 (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 16l behind Elusive Dream (11-8) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs.
I'msingingtheblues (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Held up, headway after 2 out, staying on when blundered last, one pace after, 7th of 22, 9l behind Silver Jaro (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Pigeon Island 16-1 (11-8) fell in race won by Pierrot Lunaire (10-8) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd, 14 ran.
Chantaco (USA) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leader, led 5th, ran on well from last, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Quasar d'Oudairies (11-0) by 9l, 16 ran.
Champagne Cocktail (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) fell in race won by Overbury Pearl (11-0) at Eyton-On-severn 2m 4f ptp gs in Mar, 12 ran.
Mudawin (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Towards rear, struggling halfway, 11th of 13, 49l behind Ignotus (11-2) at Kelso 2m 2f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Mar.
Weather Permitting (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway after 7th, 3rd and ridden after 3 out, no chance with leading pair from next, lost 3rd flat, 4th of 15, 25l behind Ballydub (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) sft in Mar.
