prominent, chased winner 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, beaten when not fluent last
held up in touch, mistake 12th, soon weakened
chased winner to 8th, weakened next, tailed off from 13th
made all, ridden after 3 out, ran on well
held up, mistake 3rd, pulled up after 5th
Vodka Bleu looks a good recruit to fencing and can get the better of Wintertide and Ollie Magern. This classy hurdler was the decisive winner of a similar event at Huntingdon, although he was helped by the last fence fall of his market rival Code Sign. The experience will have done him the world of good and a follow up looks on the cards. Wintertide should be the one to provide most danger. He ran a blinder at Cheltenham in a class B handicap hurdle, beating some smart performers. If he takes to the larger obstacles he will be a tough nut to crack. Ollie Magern is also making his fencing debut and hails from a top yard. He has been rated as high as 139 so obviously has a touch of class and will no doubt have been well schooled by his shrewd handler. Consistent hurdler Cloth Of Gold is another that may be fighting for a place, but for the winner we return to Vodka Bleu.
