disputed close 3rd, 3rd 4 out, pushed along and outpaced after 3 out, rallied on inside before 2 out, driven into 2nd before last, upsides run-in, stayed on under pressure to lead inside final 150 yards
led but pressed, hit 6th, urged along before 2 out, ridden and wandered left briefly before last, good jump last, joined run-in, headed inside final 150 yards, kept on
pressed leader, hit 7th, pushed along and every chance 2 out, driven and lost 2nd before the last, kept on same pace run-in
disputed close 3rd until lost place 4 out, weakened quickly, eased, tailed off
TEA FOR TWO was undoubtedly well treated when running away with the Lanzarote at Kempton last month but has won two of his three previous start in novice company and run well at Ascot in between. Even though Lizzie Kelly can't use her claim in this, it's difficult to oppose Nick Williams' charge. Arpege D'Alene last ran in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle so warrants respect and he makes more appeal than hurdling newcomer Forever Field. Buckhorn Timothy won on his ninth start over timber at Exeter but may find this company too hot.
Arpege D'alene (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked leading pair, hit 4 out, 2nd briefly before 3 out, weakened soon after, 5th of 6, 10l behind Parlour Games (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Tea For Two 9-2fav (9-12) Tracked leading pair, tracked leader after 2nd, led briefly 6th, led again 4 out, came well clear from 2 out, very easily, won at Kempton 2m 5f Listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Jan beating Little Boy Boru (9-9) by 16l, 13 ran.
Buckhorn Timothy 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, challenging when not fluent 2 out, soon led, driven clear towards finish, won at Exeter 2m 5f mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan beating Robbie Rabbit (11-5) by 4l, 14 ran.
Forever Field (IRE) 11-4 (11-11) Held up in touch, carried slightly left, ridden and lost place over 4f out, rallied over 1f out, stayed on, no impression, 5th of 10, 7l behind Present Man (11-4) at Wincanton 2m NH flat (6) gs in Nov.
