soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 8th
tailed off from 9th
prominent until 6th, tailed off from 9th, went remote 3rd approaching last
led until 7th, chased winner, ridden and one pace from 3 out
tracked leaders, blundered 2nd, led 7th, hit 9th, clear approaching 2 out, easily.
Sonevafushi appears to have been found a suitable opportunity to make a winning start over fences, with only Lucky Sinna likely to pose any serious threat. Sonevafushi was frustrating to follow over timber, always looking as though he was going to take a hand in the finish, then finding little. Due to the fact that he kept good company though, his hurdles mark had gone up to 130 by the time that he lined up at Cheltenham in April. He disappointed badly that day and has been given a rest before embarking on his new career, the only avenue left open to him. The bigger obstacles may rekindle his enthusiasm, and although it would not do to row in too heavily here, he should pay to follow if not too highly tried. His main rival appears to be Lucky Sinna who has a bit more experience over fences, having had a couple of educational outings in the spring. His form over hurdles was not as good as the selection though and he should play second fiddle today. L'Etang Bleu is barely above plating class and is hard to fancy and so Sonevafushi will actually find it harder to lose than win if consenting to co-operate with Sam Thomas.
