took keen hold, soon led, hit 4th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, unseated rider 2 out
held up, took keen hold, not fluent 2nd, headway 3 out, 2nd flat, no chance with winner
(comments restricted due to poor visibility) chased leaders, led approaching 3 out, clear flat (no time taken)
chased leaders, pushed along after 4th, lost position when fell next
chased leader, not fluent 2nd, ridden approaching 3 out, well beaten in 4th flat
held up, headway 3 out, 3rd flat, closing on 2nd towards finish
Some exciting hurdlers do battle in a fascinating heat where ROYAL CHARM is marginally preferred to James De Vassy and Stow. Bruslini is no forlorn hope either but he has taken a while to get his act together over obstacles. He disappointed on heavy ground last term which is another cause for concern but he might just be an improved performer now and is dangerous to dismiss although he has more to prove than most. Stow will relish the conditions and has had just the five starts over hurdles but he may not have quite the same scope as the other pair and also lacks a run this season. James De Vassy lost his way after landing a touch on debut but the patience of his connections was rewarded with an excellent display on his return and he followed that up with a sound run in the Greatwood. He had a hard race there and is another 6lbs higher which is why the marginal vote goes the way of the Ditcheat runner but a positive is that he's back in his own age group. Royal Charm was a warm order ahead of his debut and, though he didn't collect, there was little wrong with his second to According To Dick. He won as he liked over course and distance on his return and takes the handicap route rather than going into Graded races as was mooted after that win. That suggests that connections feel that he's on a fair mark and Royal Charm may be able to make the most of it.
Simarian (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 15, 23l behind Khyber Kim (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo+) (1) sft in Nov.
James de Vassy (FR) 6-1fav (10-13) Led, joined 2 out, ridden last, headed flat, no extra, 4th of 15, 4l behind Khyber Kim (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo+) (1) sft in Nov.
Royal Charm (FR) 4-9fav (10-12) In touch, challenged 2nd, led 4th, not fluent 3 out or 2 out, shaken up flat, comfortably, won at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Nov beating General Kutuzov (10-12) by 6l, 10 ran.
Stow 50-1 (11-0) Led to 1st, pressed leader until blundered 5th, weakening when not much room after 3 out, 14th of 18, 43l behind Zaynar (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Ray Diamond 40-1 (10-13) Led, headed 3 out, lost 2nd approaching 2 out, weakened flat, lost poor 3rd last strides, 4th of 12, 20l behind Dontpaytheferryman (9-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Nov.
Bruslini (FR) 7-4fav (10-12) Tracked leader, raced keenly, challenged 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Haydock 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct beating Kack Handed (10-12) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
