Verdict
Cedre Bleu took advantage of Bellvano's lack of resolution to score on his chasing bow at Newbury and has nothing to fear from Ballyalia Man on that run. The latter's stablemate, Jamaal, also looks up against it while Mic's Delight has a lot more to do than when landing the odds in a three-runner race at Market Rasen three weeks ago. WALKON was let down by his jumping behind Cue Card at Newbury last time but his earlier defeat of Zaynar over this C&D was a very good effort and the grey should take all the beating with a clear round today. Qaspal returns from a lengthy lay-off but could do best of the rest.
Formwatch
Mic's Delight (IRE) 2-5fav (11-0) Led, jumped slowly 1st, headed narrowly 3 out, regained lead after last, quickened clear flat, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chase (4) gs in Jan beating Flaming Charlie (11-0) by 5l, 3 ran.
Walkon (FR) 2-1fav (11-7) Took keen hold, chased winner, dropped to 3rd 9th, left 2nd next, blundered 3 out, held when blundered next, lost 2nd soon after and weakened, 3rd of 4, 15l behind Cue Card (11-7) at Newbury 2m 2f nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
Cedre Bleu (FR) 5-6fav (10-11) Tracked leader, not fluent 5th, went left and bumped 9th, challenged and hit 4 out, led 3 out, ridden and headed soon after next, rallied under pressure to lead again flat, stayed on well, driven out, won at Newbury 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Jan beating Bellvano (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Ballyallia Man (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) Took keen hold in 4th, slight peck and outpaced 8th, struggling and no chance after, last of 4, 21l behind Cedre Bleu (10-11) at Newbury 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Jan.
Majala (FR) 14-1 (11-0) Raced wide, led, mistake 6th, hard pressed 2 out, ridden and headed between last 2, no impression with winner flat, lost 2nd final stride, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Our Mick (11-4) at Haydock 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Qaspal (FR) 10-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, mid-division 3 out, no chance with leaders when badly hampered by faller approaching last, 15th of 23, 35l behind Sir Des Champs (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Mar.
Rockandahardplace (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Held up, headway after 2nd, hit next and lost place, hit 5th, behind when blundered 9th, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Backstreet Billy (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.
The Clyda Rover (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, one pace and no impression from 6 out, 3rd of 6, 41l behind Sir Du Bearn (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chase (4) hvy in Jan.
Victoria Rose (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Prominent, went 2nd 9th, led 4 out, soon clear, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) hvy in Jan beating Araucaria (10-12) by 19l, 6 ran.
