took keen hold, raced in 2nd or 3rd, just under 2 lengths behind leader when fell 4 out
led, not fluent 9th, ridden and headed when slightly awkward last, no impression flat
raced in 2nd or 3rd, not fluent 4th, ridden and switched right before 5 out, dropped to last and hanging left when pulled up before 4 out
held up, not fluent 11th, left 2nd 4 out, switched right before 2 out, went left and led last, stayed on to draw clear flat
This has been a stepping stone to big things for a few recent winners. Monbeg Legend has experience on his side but is coming up against some hot chasing prospects here including POETIC RHYTHM, a very smart novice hurdler last season over this sort of trip. He is two from two here and can extend his unblemished record on the track on his fencing bow. Master Tommytucker was unbeaten over hurdles in two runs at Exeter last season and looks a chasing type – his stable won this in 2014. Spiritofthegames also warrants close inspection given he developed into a tough handicapper over the smaller obstacles and should be even better over fences. Lisdoonvarna Lad is no slouch either and still unexposed, though will find easier races than this in the months ahead.
Master Tommytucker 4-5fav (11-5) Shade keen, held up in last pair, smooth headway 7th, tracking leaders and went left 4 out, led on bit before next, soon clear, hard held, won at Exeter 2m 6f (4) sft in Apr beating King Calvin (11-5) by 11l, 7 ran.
Monbeg Legend 11-4fav (11-12) Made all, ridden flat, stayed on gamely, won at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Easy Street (11-2) by 2 1/4l, 10 ran.
Poetic Rhythm (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, ridden after 2 out, outpaced before last, stayed on same pace, 7th of 14, 11l behind Diese Des Bieffes (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gd in Apr.
Spiritofthegames (IRE) 15-2 (11-1) Mid-division, headway before 3 out, chased leaders next, soon ridden and no impression, kept on same pace, 7th of 19, 4 1/2l behind Jester Jet (10-9) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) sft in Apr.
Lisdoonvarna Lad (IRE) 2-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 5th until before 2 out where mistake, lost 4th and weakened last, 5th of 9, 15 3/4l behind Indian Hawk (11-8) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) gs in Feb.
