held up in rear, mistake 6th, stayed on from 2 out, nearest finish
reminders and prominent after 2nd, led after 3 out, driven and stayed on well flat
chased leaders to 6th, weakened and behind next, tailed off
in touch, lost place 5th, effort after 3 out, soon beaten
always behind, tailed off 3 out
prominent, chased leading pair after 3 out, disputing 4th and beaten when blundered last
held up in mid-division, mistake 3rd, losing place when slightly hampered 7th, tailed off
led until headed when blundered 7th, weakened before next, finished lame
held up in rear, headway into mid-division 4th, effort to lead 7th, headed 3 out, weakened
chased leader, led and pecked 3 out, soon headed, chased winner and not fluent 2 out, every chance when hit last, one pace flat
held up in rear, mistake 3rd, headway and in touch 7th, weakened before 2 out
behind, slightly hampered 3rd, ridden 6th, one pace and no chance when blundered 2 out
The debut hurdling effort of Amicelli reads well in the context of this race and Charlie Mann's charge, as one of the least exposed in the field, is marginally preferred over Fantastic Champion, who is in danger of becoming disappointing, and Reminiscent, whose hurdles bow was given a boost of sorts by Fontenasi at Newbury last week. Although any solid support for Croix De Guerra should not be dismissed, as time may tell that the Phillip Hobbs-trained gelding has faced some very useful opposition in his previous starts over timber, and he is one seriously consider if the is a confident vibe about him today. However, he lacks the scope for improvement held by Amicelli, who ran a blinder at Newbury before a lack of experience and race fitness took its toll in the closing stages. Charlie Mann has been very patient with the German-bred gelding and his time spent nurturing his talents may reap their first rewards this afternoon. Croix de Guerre, who receives the 9lb weight-for-age allowance as a four-year-old today, appeals as the best alternative if the market suggests Amicelli will need a little more time.
