mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden, every chance when not fluent last, no extra inside final furlong
mid-division, headway after 5th, every chance last, soon ridden, stayed on same pace final furlong
chased leader until after 3rd, lost place after next, in rear when hung left after 2 out
held up in touch, ridden after 2 out, weakened after last
held up, headway after 6th, ridden when mistake last, soon weakened
held up in touch, ridden after 2 out, weakened after last, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway when not fluent 6th, ridden, weakened after 2 out, tailed off
held up, behind, struggling from 5th
led, mistake 4th, headed after next, weakened 2 out, mistake last
chasing leaders when not fluent 2nd, went 2nd after next, led after 5th, stayed on well final furlong
Classic Fiddle looks an exciting prospect and is taken to make a winning start to his career over obstacles, at the main expense of Trigger The Light and Exuberance. The selection won his two bumpers in good style, the latter an above average event at Cheltenham. This step up in trip looks ideal as he looks one who will stay three miles in time, and with his stable in fine form, he is given the confident vote. Another stable in form is Alan King's, and he saddles Trigger The Light. A narrow winner on his hurdles debut, he battled on well that day after getting outpaced and there was a lot to like about that performance. He looks sure to come on for that run, however he may prefer a longer trip so for that reason he is passed over. As is Exuberance who looks another who will appreciate a lot further based on his plodding on third on his hurdles debut. However he should come on for that run and could easily gain some more place money here, whilst Carl Llewellyn's Little Rocker must rate a danger based on his Uttoxeter win, however a penalty for that win and this longer trip may just find him out. Rudinero will come on for his hurdling debut in a decent contest at Cheltenham but will need to, so for the winner we return to Nicky Henderson's Classic Fiddle.
Little Rocker (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Held up, ridden and headway 4 out, weakened next, 8th of 16, 42l behind Anglicisme (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Trigger The Light 7-2 (11-0) Held up in touch, outpaced 7th, headway after next, chased leader after 3 out, hung left approaching 2 out, stayed on well flat to lead post, won at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Killard Point (11-0) by a shd, 16 ran.
Dearsha (FR) 150-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden and hit 7th, weakened before next, 7th of 12, 37l behind Armariver (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Exuberance (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden 6th, slightly hampered 3 out, headway from 2 out, stayed on flat, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Treasury Counsel (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Oiseau de Nuit (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Led to 2nd, prominent, not fluent 5th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Ouninpohja (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Nov, 14 ran.
Pencil House (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) In touch until weakened 3 out, 4th of 11, 18l behind Major Oak (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Rudinero (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 4 out, weakened after next, 6th of 18, 26l behind Roll Along (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct.
The Logical Man (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding, half-brother to numerous winners over hurdles and fences.
Venice Road (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Held up, headway after 4th, jumped slowly and hung left from 5th, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Red Scally (11-8) at Towcester 2m 5f nh nov hdl (3) hvy in Nov, 9 ran.
Young Gary 66-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, jumped slowly 1st, mistake 6th, ridden 7th, no impression, 5th of 12, 34l behind Armariver (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Classic Fiddle 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4f out, led just inside final 2f, driven clear final furlong, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f mrs nhf (4) gd in Apr beating Strawberry (10-7) by 9l, 17 ran.
