raced freely, set good gallop and soon well clear, jumped left 5th, hit 3 out, reduced lead before 2 out, ridden and joined last, headed flat, held towards finish
chased clear leader, not fluent 5th, ridden after 3 out, closed on leader before 2 out but lost 2nd, stayed on same pace
held up in 3rd, way behind leader, not fluent 2nd, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, closed and went 2nd 2 out, challenging when jumped left and not fluent last, led flat, driven out
Both Pasaka Boy and Rasasee showed decent form on the level and have already demonstrated an aptitude for their new discipline. Indeed, both can be expected to land a small novice hurdle in the summer months but it is hard to see either handling AZZURI. The Skelton inmate has been cleverly placed to land a couple of hurdles and has also competed well at a higher level. He has to concede weight to his rivals but the presence of his talented amateur aboard should simplify his task further.
Azzuri 2-9fav (11-6) Made all, clear before 4th until after 6th, clear again 2 out, stayed on, pushed out, won at Ludlow 2m (4) gd in May beating Otter Moon (11-0) by 3 1/4l, 7 ran.
Pasaka Boy 16-1 (10-12) Off the pace towards rear, struggling in 6th when blundered and nearly unseated rider 3 out, plugging on when left 4th next, one pace when hung right between last 2, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 18l behind Ok Corral (10-12) at Kempton 2m (4) gd in May.
Rasasee (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Behind, and keen, headway before 4 out, ridden before 2 out, chased winner from last, no impression and lost 2nd place close home, 3rd of 7, 12 1/4l behind Knocknanuss (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (5) gf in May.
