tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner from 4 out, ridden after next, kept on no impression
clear approaching 2 out, easily
tracked winner until pushed along 4 out, weakened after 3 out
always in rear, tailed off from 3 out
held up in touch, never dangerous
In the opener, Percussionist gets the call ahead of Nous Voila and Accordello. Nous Voila had looked smart prior to flopping at Cheltenham last time but, with his stable now running back into form, he looks set to go well today. However, the 2004 Derby fourth, Percussionist, has not done too much wrong in winning a couple of hurdles on his favoured soft going - his only flop came on very testing going at Sandown when he sweated up beforehand - and he can continue his progress today. Best of the other trio of runners looks to be Accordello who, based on bumper form and breeding, looks set to make up into a smart hurdler, at least. For today, though, we are beating the drum for Percussionist.
Livingonaknifedge (IRE) 11-4fav (11-8) Held up, headway 4 out, led 2 out, hit last, soon headed, kept on one pace, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Ballyjohnboy Lord (11-13) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft.
Nous Voila (FR) 2-1jt-fav (11-6) Led, driven and headed after 2 out, weakened rapidly and eased before last, last of 11, 43l behind Motorway (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gs in Dec.
Percussionist (IRE) 2-1fav (11-5) Tracked leader, challenged 4 out, ridden to lead between last 2, stayed on flat, won at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Dec beating Tous Chez (10-12) by 3l, 14 ran.
Leo's Luckyman (USA) 7-1 (11-0) Led to 4th, led 5th to 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 15, 20l behind Circassian (11-0) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Dec.
Accordello (IRE) 25-1 (10-8) Always prominent, led 3f out, soon ridden, headed well over 1f out, kept on final 2f, closing near finish, 2nd of 17, 1/2l behind Senorita Rumbalita (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf lst (A) gs in Apr.
