CARLTON RYAN has now won three of four starts in hunter chases and beat much higher rated rivals at Fakenham last time. There should be more to come in first-time headgear and he’s just preferred to Pearlysteps. The latter is the highest rated of these but had an off-day behind Wonderful Charm at Haydock recently and has something to find with the selection on bare form. Mister Marker won one of these events at Perth last year with Havana Jack back in third and could also figure.
Carlton Ryan (IRE) 3-1 (12-4) Held up towards rear, mistake 6th, headway approaching 4 out, chased leaders next, staying on strongly when left in lead last, ridden out, won at Fakenham 3m (6) gs in Feb beating Warden Hill (12-8) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Pearlysteps 11-4 (12-4) Tracked leader, led 4th, headed 7th, led again 9th, headed 6 out, lead again after 5 out, headed before 2 out, one pace, 4th of 8, 19 3/4l behind Wonderful Charm (12-4) at Haydock 3m (3) gs in Feb.
Mister Marker (IRE) 20-1 (12-2) Led, headed 4 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 19 1/4l behind Premier Portrait (11-12) at Kelso 2m 7f (5) hvy in Feb.
Forge Valley 8-1 (12-0) Lft in ld 13; hdd nr fin, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Solid Strike (12-0) at Corbridge 3m gs in Feb.
Havana Jack (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Always behind, outpaced before 4 out, never dangerous, tailed off, 5th of 8, dist behind Top Cat Henry (12-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f (6) gd in Mar.
Quel Elite (FR) 9-4 (11-0) Held up; chall 2 out; no ex nr fin, 2nd of 3, 1/2l behind Ballyvesey (11-0) at Dalston 3m hvy in Mar.
