pressed leader on outside, led narrowly before 9th, hard pressed when not fluent 3 out and again last, pushed out and in command flat, readily
tracked leaders, effort and every chance on outside 3 out, ridden before last, kept on but no impression with winner when hung left flat
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, effort and every chance on inside 3 out, ridden and outpaced between last 2, no impression in 3rd flat
led 2nd, headed narrowly before 9th, lost place after 4 out, driven and unable to go with clear trio before next, soon weakened
not fluent early, held up in rear, outpaced 4 out, went remote 4th next, no chance with clear leaders
Paul Nicholls should complete a quick double via Cheltenham entry SAINT SONNET. A winner over fences and three times successful over hurdles in France, including in Listed company, he has his first start for the champion trainer and should have no problems getting off the mark before going on to better things. Crixus's Escape, three times a hurdles winner, made an early mistake on his chasing debut here and never recovered while Duc De Grissay makes his debut over fences though at least he's shown he handles the conditions. Exit To Where won't mind the going either though needs further but On A Promise is interesting having won three of his last four starts over hurdles, the latest in March 2018, and his stable have no problems getting one ready.
Saint Sonnet (FR) (10-12) 3rd of 8, 6 1/2l behind Doctor Squeeze (11-2) at Auteuil 2m 2f lst (1) hvy in Nov.
Crixus's Escape (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) Held up last, hit 9th, mistake next, never on terms but plugged on run-in, 5th of 6, 26 3/4l behind Schiehallion Munro (11-4) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Duc De Grissay (FR) 9-2 (10-9) Held up, headway 5th, soon tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 9l behind Silva Eclipse (11-1) at Haydock 3m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Exit To Where (FR) 11-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, not fluent 4th, went 2nd 11th until after 14th, looked well beaten 4 out, closed from 2 out and threatened last, 4th and no impression towards finish, 4th of 6, 2 1/4l behind Dr Hooves (11-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
On A Promise (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Mid-division, went 4th from 6th, led before 2 out, kept on well towards finish, won at Market Rasen 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Loch Linnhe (11-2) by 5l, 9 ran.
