tracked leader, blundered 4 out, led 2 out, ran on, readily
close up in last place, hit 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, ridden next, effort to chase winner last, kept on one pace
led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat
CANTLOW suffered a couple of narrow margin defeats on his first two starts over fences. It was heavy ground at Lingfield last time when he found only Sire De Grugy too good but he finished ahead of Dark And Dangerous and Paul Webber's charge gets another chance in this. He has a fitness advantage over Oscara Dara, who has won a couple of novice hurdles and makes his chasing debut on his seasonal return. Don Pooleoni also has his first start over fences but has plenty to find judged on his hurdling form.
Cantlow (IRE) 2-1 (11-0) With leader, effort in 3rd when hit 3 out, regained 2nd next, soon ridden, kept on flat, no impression with winner, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Sire De Grugy (11-7) at Lingfield 2m nov chs (4) hvy in Nov.
Don Pooleoni (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Held up mid-division, headway before 2 out, soon went 3rd, going well when pecked badly 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 10, 14l behind Dawn Twister (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Oscara Dara (IRE) 11-8fav (11-12) Settled in mid-division, headway into 4th before 3 out, went 2nd approaching straight and ridden to lead before last, stayed on well to assert run-in, won at Punchestown 2m nov hdl hvy in Apr beating Malt Master (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Dark And Dangerous (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Made most, headed 3 out, lost 2nd next, soon ridden, kept on flat, no impression with winner, 3rd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Sire De Grugy (11-7) at Lingfield 2m nov chs (4) hvy in Nov.
