led, jumped right 5 out, 4 out and 3 out, ridden before last, headed run-in, rallied to regain lead towards finish
tracked leaders, chased winner before 3 out, ridden after last, led run-in, kept on and headed towards finish
in touch and in rear, pushed along before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened run-in
tracked winner until outpaced before 3 out, kept on to take 3rd place run-in
THE NEW ONE bids for a fourth successive victory in this Grade 2 and a fifth win at the track. On identical terms, he finished almost two lengths ahead of likely market rival Ch'tibello in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and, though the latter will strip fitter today, can confirm the form given he’s since chased home Champion Hurdle favourite Buveur D’Air at Kempton. Last year’s second Clyne has won twice here but it’s hard to see him faring any better this time around against one of the toughest hurdlers in training. Unison is probably out of his depth in this company.
The New One (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Led, quickened approaching 2out, headed last, not pace of winner, 2nd of 4, 2 1/4l behind Buveur D'air (11-7) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Ch'tibello (FR) 15-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway before 2 out, not clear run against stands rail before last, soon switched left and close 4th at the last, ridden and not quicken flat, stayed on same pace, 4th of 7, 3l behind My Tent Or Yours (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Clyne 5-4fav (10-12) Slowing into some of the fences and went slightly left, tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, pushed along after 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, went left worse at the last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Testify (11-4) at Haydock 2m (3) hvy in Dec.
Unison (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Raced wide, chased leader until approaching 4th, chased leaders, weakened well before 2 out, 5th of 10, 16 1/2l behind Kayf Grace (11-4) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
