made all. clear from 4 out, easily
tracked winner after 1st until weakened from 2 out
in rear and in touch, pecked 5 out, outpaced next, chased winner from 2 out, no impression
led briefly before 1st, reminders after 4th, soon in rear, tailed off
HATCHER was a shade keen at Leicester but made a smooth transition to chasing otherwise and could complete a quick double for the Skeltons as Style De Garde has proved expensive to follow since winning at Hereford in November, though he finished a long way ahead of Charming Zen when second at Hereford in February. Sussex Road is 0-40 over fences and it would be a huge shock if he broke that sequence anytime soon.
Hatcher (IRE) 8-11fav (11-2) Tracked leader, led 4th, quickened clear 3 out, very easily, won at Leicester 2m (3) gd in Mar beating Boite (11-2) by 16l, 3 ran.
Style De Garde (FR) 25-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, chased leaders after 3 out, driven to lead narrowly turning in, ridden and headed before last, soon no extra, weakened flat, 10th of 24, 17 3/4l behind Early Doors (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Charming Zen (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Led until 5th, jumped left 7th, last 4 out, soon weakened, last of 4, dist behind Louis' Vac Pouch (10-12) at Ludlow 2m (4) gs in Feb.
Sussex Road (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) With leader, pushed along and lost place before 8 out, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Vivaccio (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Mar.
