tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, ridden to chalenge between last 2, led last, hard pressed final 110 yards, kept on, headed near finish
tracked leaders, outpaced after 4 out, 3rd and ridden after next, one pace before last, hung left and ran on flat, led narrowly when collided with far side rail near finish
led narrowly to 2nd, with leader, lost place before 3 out, kept on same pace, no impression with front trio before last
with leader, led narrowly 2nd, ridden before 2 out, hard pressed between last 2, headed last, kept on under pressure flat, held in 3rd near finish
raced keenly, tracked leaders, lost place 7th, struggling 4 out, no chance with leaders after
tracked leaders, held up in rear from 4th, struggling 4 out, no chance with leaders after
Nonrunner
Chaser Present View is a maiden over hurdles but no slouch over the smaller obstacles judged on his second to Vicente at Cheltenham in October. He gets weight from the previous winners in this but whether he'll relish a slog through the mud over 3m is open to debate. BLAKLION has turned into a tough and genuine performer and had Binge Drinker well beaten when landing a Grade 2 over this trip at Cheltenham last month. Far from disgraced in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury later, he can grind out a victory here even though Ryan Hatch will be unable to claim his allowance. Caracci Apache is unexposed but will have to prove his stamina, unlike Zeroeshadesofgrey who is already a course and distance winner. Landmarque and Mossies Well will find easier opportunities in the weeks ahead.
Blaklion 2-1fav (11-7) Led and set decent pace, increaed tempo before 4th, hit 4 out, pushed along and headed after last, one pace in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Parlour Games (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Caracci Apache (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Tracked leader, led after 3 out, pushed clear before next, unextended after, very easily, won at Plumpton 2m 5f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) sft beating Amidon (11-2) by 7l, 7 ran.
Binge Drinker (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistakes 6th and 7th, reminders 9th and 3 out, no impression after 2 out, 5th of 6, 23l behind Blaklion (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Dec.
Zeroeshadesofgrey (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Held up in touch in mid-division, closed 7th, ridden and every chance after 2 out, 3rd and beaten when faltered after last, one pace, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Thomas Brown (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Landmarque 3-1fav (11-2) Chased leaders, under pressure over 4f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on strongly to lead well inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Catterick 2m (5) gs in Feb beating Serenity Now (10-12) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Mossies Well (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, blundered 4 out and lost place, headway before 2 out, stayed on from last, 3rd of 14, 2 1/4l behind Sir Vinski (11-0) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) hvy.
Present View 5-1fav (11-0) Led 1st until 3rd, prominent, led 9th, headed last, stayed on, held by leaders towards finish, 3rd of 18, 2l behind Caid Du Berlais (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) sft in Nov.
