led, headed narrowly 3 out, soon left in lead, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace run-in
tracked leaders in 4th, mistake and outpaced 4 out, headway 3 out, led 2 out, ridden last, just held on
always behind, tailed off from 4th
with leader, narrow lead when fell 3 out
held up towards rear and in touch, ridden before last, weakened run-in
chased leaders, hampered 3 out, ridden before last, kept on and just held post
It's a surprise to see Apple's Jade running here as she was expected to step-up in trip after being outpaced by Rashaan on her return to action at Down Royal. Runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle, she later reversed the form with the winner in the championship events at Aintree and Punchestown but connections were downhearted after her latest run despite stating she was only 80% fit. Petit Mouchoir, who was conceding 2lb, wasn't far behind in third and though he appeared to have every chance and is worse off at the weights, Gigginstown's contracted rider Bryan Cooper prefers him to Apple's Jade. SCEAU ROYAL was a long way behind Gordon Elliott's filly at Cheltenham and Aintree but appears to have made the greater progress judging by two very impressive victories, the latest in a Wincanton Grade 2, so he looks the safest option. Irving won this in 2014 but was beaten a distance last year and also on his latest start when odds-on for Wincanton Grade 2 in February. He's obviously much better than those runs but has some questions to answer. The veteran Hidden Cyclone was conceding Rashaan 11lb when beating him comfortably at Punchestown last month so collateral form would give him an outstanding chance and he's now won 16 races in a 38-race career spanning the Flat, hurdles and fences. Mirsaale has only had four runs over hurdles but has done superbly to be placed in a pair of Grade 2's after winning his opening two races.
Hidden Cyclone (IRE) 7-2 (11-9) Led and clear, slightly reduced lead from 6th, came back to field from 2 out, asserted again from before last, stayed on well run-in, eased close home, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m gd in Oct beating Rashaan (10-12) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Irving 8-11fav (11-10) Chased leaders, niggled along after 3 out, ridden and beaten before next, weakened, last of 4, dist behind Rayvin Black (11-2) at Wincanton 1m 7f (1) sft in Feb.
Mirsaale 14-1 (11-4) Led, headed 2 out, no impression on winner final 150 yards but kept on well for 2nd, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Moon Racer (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov.
Petit Mouchoir (FR) 9-4 (11-2) Ran 3rd, travelling well and short of room approaching 2 out, switched left and slight mistake last, ridden and kept on run-in, 3rd of 4, 3 1/4l behind Rashaan (11-2) at Down Royal 2m (1) gd in Nov.
Sceau Royal (FR) 4-6fav (11-10) Held up in rear, smooth headway into 4th 5th, 3rd travelling well before 2 out, upsides 2 out, led between last 2, travelling best and over 1 length lead when left clear last, won at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (1) gd in Nov beating Rayvin Black (11-5) by 9l, 5 ran.
Apple's Jade (FR) 1-2fav (11-0) Led, pushed along before 2 out and strongly pressed last, ridden and headed run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Rashaan (11-2) at Down Royal 2m (1) gd in Nov.
