behind, driven along after 3rd, brought to outside approaching 5th, stayed approaching last, never dangerous
prominent, hit 6th, soon driven along and lost place, behind from next
led until 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
chasing leaders when not fluent 3rd, settled in rear from next, headway 7th, challenged from approaching 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on flat, idled near finish
chased leader until approaching 3 out, soon beaten
held up towards rear, some headway 6th, driven and weakened approaching next, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, driven along approaching 6th, lost touch from next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, driven along approaching 7th, soon weakened
took keen hold, mid-division, headway approaching 4th, ridden after 8th, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders, led 3 out, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, stayed on same pace flat
held up in touch, driven and lost place after 5th, behind from 7th, tailed off
From a shortlisted four of Buena Vista, Natal, Blazing Bailey and Chiaro, the vote goes to Buena Vista. Buena Vista gets a big shout here based on his excellent third to Noland in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. He also holds Boychuk based on Grade 2 November Cheltenham form, for which Boychuk now carries a penalty. The Triumph Hurdle third, Blazing Bailey, is respected at a venue that could suit well, while Natal has just over three-and-a-quarter lengths to find with the selection based on Supreme Novices' Hurdle form, although he could well get closer today. A Listed French hurdling winner, Chiaro impressed when scoring on his British debut, at Chepstow, and rates as interesting, while the remainder, we feel, will need improved efforts if they are to get involved today. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Buena Vista.
Boychuk (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Chased leader, outpaced 4th, ran on well from 2 out to go 3rd run-in, 3rd of 11, 17l behind Noland (11-11) at Exeter 2m 1f lst nov hdl (1) gs in Feb.
Buena Vista (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Made most, pushed along from 3 out, headed next, chased leader after, rallied under pressure flat, but not pace of winner, 3rd of 20, 1 1/2l behind Noland (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Harmony Brig (IRE) 7-4fav (11-9) Led to 4th, led again approaching 6th, clear 2 out, pushed out flat, won at Kelso 2m 2f nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Mar beating Bollin Thomas (10-3) by 9l, 9 ran.
Natal (FR) 16-1 (11-7) In touch, effort and ridden 3 out, weakening when hit last, 6th of 20, 5l behind Noland (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Chiaro (FR) 5-4fav (11-7) Always prominent, led approaching 4 out, pushed clear, won at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Mar beating Anemix (11-2) by 18l, 16 ran.
Craven (IRE) 8-11fav (11-11) Held up last, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, 9th of 12, well behind Keenan's Future (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Marshalls Run (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, led 9th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Brankley Boy (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Regal Heights (IRE) 13-8fav (11-9) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, ridden and pressed last, headed early run-in, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Aztec Warrior (11-2) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Some Touch (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Made all, ridden out, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar beating Secret Pact (10-8) by 4l, 9 ran.
Blazing Bailey 14-1 (11-0) Towards rear, pushed along 3rd, headway approaching 6th, ridden 2 out, edged left and stayed on flat, 3rd of 17, 6l behind Detroit City (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Patman Du Charmil (FR) 40-1 (11-3) Behind, ridden and headway after 2 out, ran on, nearest at finish, 3rd of 24, 5l behind Shamayoun (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4yo hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
