led to 4 out, weakened next
held up in touch, mistake 3 out, led approaching next, quickened clear last, readily
tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, weakened after next
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
held up in touch, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
held up, joined leaders and raced wide 4th, led 4 out, ridden and headed after 3 out, one pace
held up, reminders after 3rd, chased leaders approaching 3 out, one pace
with leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on from last
An excellent Fighting Fifth can go to Royal Shakespeare with Intersky Falcon, Self Defense and Arcalis seen as the biggest dangers. Last season's Scottish Champion Hurdle winner, the selection returned for the season with a good win in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton. Much as he was slightly disappointing behind No Refuge last time, the going went against him there for he really does need it good or faster. There will be no excuses on that score today and he can run well. The Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, Arcalis, is a fascinating runner in this prestigious contest, but it is slightly surprising to see Admiral running after his game win over Faasel at Haydock just seven days ago and, overall, he looks to have a bit to prove in this company. Genghis has a lot to find with Royal Shakespeare based on last season's Scottish Champion Hurdle form. Hasty Prince is very useful and runs in first-time blinkers today, but his stablemate, Intersky Falcon, who is reported to be in good heart and who was, after all, only beaten five lengths into sixth place in this year's Champion Hurdle, represents a threat to all and is very much respected. Self Defense was tenth in that race but, recently second in a Group race on the Flat, he can go well. The admirable The French Furze is a standing dish here and is a previous winner of this contest. However, he looks up against it some of these today, of which we will make Royal Shakespeare the selection.
Admiral (IRE) 10-3 (11-10) Led, mistake 2nd, ridden 2 out, headed flat, rallied gamely to lead last strides, won at Haydock 2m 4yo hcp hdl (B) gs beating Faasel (11-9) by a shd, 4 ran.
Arcalis 20-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, good headway approaching 2 out, led last, ridden clear flat, won at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar beating Wild Passion (11-7) by 6l, 20 ran.
Genghis (IRE) 7-4jt-fav (11-8) Led and mistakes, ridden and headed 2 out, not quicken flat, 2nd of 4, 5l behind Rooster Booster (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m hdl (B) gf in Oct.
Hasty Prince 2-1 (11-8) Held up, hit 5th and 6th, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 33l behind Rooster Booster (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m hdl (B) gf in Oct.
Intersky Falcon 6-1 (11-10) Chased leader, ridden and challenged 2 out, soon led, headed approaching last, no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Royal Shakespeare (11-1) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (A) gd.
Overstrand (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Behind, outpaced 3 out, never dangerous, 5th of 11, 16l behind Crathorne (10-2) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gf in Oct.
Royal Shakespeare (FR) 7-2 (11-4) Chased leader, outpaced and mistake 3 out, staying on when mistake last, took modest 3rd run-in, 3rd of 6, 9l behind No Refuge (11-4) at Windsor 2m 4f hdl Grd 2 (A) gd.
Self Defense 10-1 (11-5) Mid-division, pushed along 5th, never dangerous, 12th of 19, 16l behind Lingo (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs.
The French Furze (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, reminder after 4th, soon struggling, 11th of 13, 31l behind Genghis (10-11) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl (A) gd in Apr.
Akilak (IRE) 8-13fav (11-0) Held up in touch, close 5th approaching 2 out, soon ridden, moderate and no impression before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 13l behind United (10-9) at Punchestown 2m 4yo hdl Grd 1 sft in Apr.
Buthaina (IRE) 400-1 (10-7) Not jump well, always behind, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Wanango (11-6) at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (A) gs.
