in touch in chasing group, mistake 4th, in touch when blundered 7th and soon beaten
prominent in chasing group, chased winner 4 out, held when mistake 2 out, soon no impression
in touch and chasing group, mistake 4th, lost touch next, tailed off 7th
led and soon well clear, came back to field 7th, headed 4 out, soon lost 2nd and weakened
took keen hold early, prominent in chasing group to 4th, mistake and lost touch 6th, tailed off and blundered last
chased clear leader, closed from 7th, led 4 out, soon in command, clear from 2 out, driven out run-in
always behind in main group, tailed off from 7th
Ile Michel is still open to plenty of improvement over hurdles and is our choice to take this contest, but Fantastic Champion and Parsons Legacy are also respected. The selection hails from the Martin Pipe yard and will have to step up on his eighth place finish behind Beat The Heat at Aintree last month. That was a decent race and was only his second effort over hurdles, so he may be capable of better. He has previously shown good form on the flat, and with A P McCoy in the saddle he will not be too far away at the finish. Fantastic Champion could represent the main danger on his 4th behind Nawamees at Ascot last month. That run came after a 9 month absence from the track so he is sure to come on for that effort and could be interesting if he is supported in the market. Parsons Legacy is another that is worth a look as this gelding ran well behind Calling Classy at Clonmel back in February. He has been consistent in fairly moderate company so could go well, but is passed over here as he may just need the run. Of the rest, Crookstown Castle cannot be ruled out, but are happy to take a chance on Ile Michel.
