made all and soon clear, quickened on bit 2 out, very easily
chased winner, ridden after 2 out, took closer order approaching 2 out, no impression
jumped slowly first and held up behind, mistake 5th, ridden 3 out, went 2nd briefly bend approaching 2 out, weakening when not fluent 2 out
Another small field and another short-priced favourite for the backers with Balladeer taken to justify likely favouritism at the main expense of Phar From A Fiddle. The last mentioned is a fair chaser and was unlucky not to make a winning return to hurdles when just failing to catch Americanconnection at Exeter on Tuesday. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has to be respected on that evidence but preference is for Balladeer, who looks to have been found a decent opportunity to gain an overdue first success over hurdles. Henrietta Knight's gelding ran some good races in defeat in better company last term and lost no caste in defeat behind the useful Mr Ed on his return at Huntingdon earlier this month. With improvement to come for that run, Balladeer looks the one to beat. Neither Hill Forts Henry nor Charm Offensive make much appeal and should only be racing for third place prize-money behind Balladeer and Phar From A Fiddle.
