raced in 2nd, pushed along from 2 out, no impression straight, one pace
raced in 3rd, jumped slightly left from 6th onwards, no impression from 2 out, one pace
made all, asserted straight, stayed on well run-in, easily
in rear, mistake 4th, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon no extra
FAUGHEEN was hugely impressive in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, despite having less than two lengths in hand over stablemate Arctic Fire, and should remain unbeaten on his 10th career start. Ruby Walsh is likely to dictate matters again and the sharper track will play to his strengths. The runner-up was still in front when taking a crashing fall over 2m4f at Aintree, leaving Jezki to come home unchallenged. Providing he's none the worse he looks the main threat to the champion getting his perfect ten. Whether Jezki runs or not depends on his participation against old rival Hurricane Fly over three miles yesterday but this trip is looking on the short side for him nowadays. The remaining pair are useful but not at this sort of level as yet.
Arctic Fire (GER) 15-8fav (11-7) Held up in touch in 4th, headway after 3 out, led narrowly when fell last, in a race won by Jezki (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) gs in Apr, 6 ran.
Dell' Arca (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Prominent, joined leader before 6th, led narrowly after 4 out, ridden and headed between last 2, no impression from last, 7th of 21, 13l behind Theinval (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gs in Apr.
Faugheen (IRE) 4-5fav (11-10) Made all, went slightly right when not fluent 2 out, quickened clear before last, in no danger after, kept on well, ridden out, won at Cheltenham 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar beating Arctic Fire (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Tiger Roll (IRE) 50-1 (11-10) Behind, outpaced 2 out, never on terms, weakened before last, 13th of 16, 39l behind Cole Harden (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Jezki (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, a close 2nd and challenging when left in lead and clear last, eased towards finish, won at Aintree 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) gs in Apr beating Rock On Ruby (11-7) by 13l, 6 ran.
