chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, hit 4th, outpaced approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, rallied and went left last, staying on well towards finish
with leader, not fluent 3 out, led before 2 out, headed last, wandered and no chance with winner flat, always holding on for 2nd
led, raced keenly, headed when hit 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, closed on inside when not much room 2 out, beaten last, weakened flat
held up in last, closed going well when not fluent 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, went left and led on bit last, cruised away flat, impressive
If fit enough on his seasonal bow then STARLUCK has these race terms in his favour so should be the one they all have to beat and given he has gone well fresh in the past we'll give him that chance ahead of Silk Hall and Classic Swain. After progressing nicely last season the selection wasn't disgraced when fourth in the Triumph Hurdle before also running well to place in a top Novices' event at Aintree. The gelding is deservedly the highest rated of these and if running to form should prove to be too good. Silk Hall only has to find five pounds on the selection but despite a few decent performances last term hasn't yet run up to the form of our pick. Classic Swain is the only in the field to have raced this season and it's been a good campaign for Paul Nicholls' charge so far and while again there is class to prove he should be able to mount a challenge. Saticon and Samarian are both looking for improvement on their re-appearance runs so in a small field Starluck looks to hold the best chance.
Simarian (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Mid-division, hampered and lost place after 2nd, not fluent next, struggling in rear 3 out, plugged on approaching last, no danger, 7th of 18, 25l behind Zaynar (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Classic Swain (USA) 7-2fav (10-11) Chased leader, not fluent 2nd, pushed along before 4 out, challenged and hit 3 out, every chance 2 out, chased winner after, no impression last, 2nd of 9, 4l behind James De Vassy (10-4) at Chepstow 2m 4yo hcp hdl (2) gd.
Saticon 9-4 (11-8) Tracked leader, effort and every chance 3 out, soon one pace, lost 2nd flat, no extra, 3rd of 4, 16l behind Apartman (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gd in Apr.
Silk Hall (UAE) 5-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, chased leaders approaching 4 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 11, 5l behind El Dancer (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gd in Apr.
Starluck (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, chased leading pair approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 13, 26l behind Walkon (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4yo nov hdl G1 (1) gd in Apr.
