chased leaders, not fluent 5th, under pressure after 4 out, weakened next, pulled up before 2 out
made all, strongly challenged from 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well closing stages (2 fences omitted)
took keen hold tracking leaders, every chance from 3 out, kept on same pace flat
held up in rear but in touch, headway after 4 out, chasing leaders next, weakened before last
tracked leader, lost place approaching 3 out
Without a win over hurdles in 12 previous attempts, Leanna Ban is worth taking on on his return from a lay-off having won twice over fences in May. BON ENFANT made a winning start over hurdles in a conditionals' event at Fontwell last month and he looks the one to beat as he escapes a penalty for that success. Dakota Grey and Airebridge have both been well beaten in bumpers and What A Game makes his debut under Rules having finished runner-up in a point-to-point back in April.
Airebridge (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, struggling final 9f, well behind final 7f, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Keeper Hill (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (6) gs in Nov.
Bon Enfant (FR) 5-2fav (10-12) Tracked leader, bumped by loose horse approaching 2 out, 1 length down last, left in lead run-in, driven clear, won at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) sft in Nov beating Danvinnie (10-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Dakota Grey 33-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, progress into 8th 4f out, ridden into 6th entering straight, no extra 2f out, 11th of 20, dist behind Castello Sforza (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Leanna Ban 4-1fav (11-12) With leader, led 2nd, made rest, drew clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in May beating Brother Scott (11-3) by 12l, 8 ran.
What A Game (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Mid div, 5th 6out, mod 4th frm 2out until sl prog bef last where lft mod 3rd, went 2nd 100 yards out, 2nd of 8, 15l behind Out Of Style (11-9) at Dromahane 3m mdn gd in Apr.
