set modest pace, headed after 4th, ridden and unable to quicken after 2 out, held after, kept on flat
held up in touch in rear, shaken up before 2 out, ridden approaching last, went 3rd flat, unable to challenge
tracked leader, led after 4th, kicked for home before 3 out, pressed flat, stayed on well and in command towards finish
took keen hold, disputed 2nd until before 4th, went 2nd again last, ridden and pressing winner flat, held close home
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Hestina could easily take this step up in class in her stride as the penny has now dropped. Chieftain's Choice has been running well in some competitive handicaps but is still creeping up the ratings. Zulu Oscar beat a subsequent winner at Chepstow but is 9lb higher while Holly Bush Henry was expected to run in yesterday’s Swinton Hurdle at Haydock. WISHFULL DREAMING’s second at Exeter was franked by the winner at Stratford last week and Philip Hobbs’ charge can go one better today with Peruvien Bleu upped to this grade for the first time.
Wishfull Dreaming 5-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, 2nd from 5th, driven 2 out, 4 lengths down when left in 6 length lead and mistake last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Free Stone Hill (10-5) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Chieftain's Choice (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) In rear, headway before 2 out, in 4th before last, kept on to take 2nd place towards finish, just held post, 2nd of 8, hd behind Atomix (11-1) at Hexham 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Peruvien Bleu (FR) 2-1 (11-5) Tracked leading pair, 2nd travelling well enough before 3 out, carried left next, under 1 length down when badly hampered last, soon recovered and led, ridden out, won at Ludlow 2m (4) gd in Apr beating Excellent Team (11-11) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Hestina (FR) 2-1fav (11-12) Keen in touch, headway 4 out, soon chased leader, ridden and every chance last, led flat. flashed tail and ran on, won at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Hint Of Grey (11-13) by 2l, 7 ran.
Holly Bush Henry (IRE) 2-1fav (11-9) Tracked winner, jumped right throughout, mistake 10th, under pressure 4 out, weakening when blundered 2 out, 3rd of 5, 14 3/4l behind No Planning (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Zulu Oscar 11-2 (12-5) Held up towards rear, steady headway on outside before 4 out, chased leaders next, 2nd before the last, led last 100 yards, quickened clear, won at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Muffins For Tea (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 15 ran.
Solstalla 8-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened and pulled up before next, at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
