tracked winner, outpaced when hit 3 out (usual 4 out), soon ridden, lost place and mistake next, soon no chance with front pair, tailed off
made all, shaken up after last (usual 2 out), drew clear on long run from last, unchallenged
tracked leading pair until dropped to rear 3rd, struggling 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out (usual 4 out)
held up 4th and last, tracked leading pair 3rd, went 2nd 2 out (usual 3 out), kept on same pace in clear 2nd, no chance with winner on long run from last
Speedy Directa has been in good form over hurdles this month and can race off the same mark on his chasing bow. However, there isn't much in his pedigree to suggest he'll enjoy the switch to the larger obstacles. Royal Mile was only beaten half-a-length at Sedgefield in November but has disappointed since while Amroth Bay struggles for consistency, though would go close if in the mood. MASTER ALFREDO may be a little better than his bare form suggests as he's been quite highly tried on occasions. He gets a tentative vote in this with Killian Moore taking off 7lb.
Master Alfredo 20-1 (11-4) Held up behind, weakened from 11th, 6th of 11, well behind Pensnett Bay (10-9) at Towcester 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Amroth Bay 9-1 (11-11) Towards rear, mistake 17th, headway before 3 out, kept on from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 9l behind Raphiell (11-0) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Feb.
Speedy Directa (GER) 5-2fav (10-11) Held up, not fluent 4th, dived at 3 out, headway soon after, challenged after 2 out, led flat, headed post, 2nd of 10, ns behind Franklin Roosevelt (11-8) at Hereford 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd.
Royal Mile (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Held up, hampered 3rd, headway when hit 7th, jumped right next, weakened 3 out, 6th of 11, 38l behind Esteem (11-7) at Southwell 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Feb.
