chased winner, hit 3rd and 2 out, every chance when carried left just before last, hard ridden, ran on
prominent, hit 3rd, weakening when mistake 2 out, left poor 3rd last
held up mid-division, not fluent 3rd, behind from 3 out, soon pulled up
made all, hit 2 out, ridden and hung left just before last, ran on
took keen hold, held up in touch, weakened 2 out, 3rd and well beaten when fell last
always in rear, not fluent 3 out, soon struggling
held up, hit 3rd, effort before 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
held up, hit 4th, some progress 3 out, soon pushed along, weakened after 2 out
Eden Du Houx is likely to prove popular on a first start since wind surgery and it will not surprise should he prove good enough in receipt of weight from the penalised Shantou Vow and MARIO DE PAIL. However, the latter has looked a really useful sort in the making for Sam Thomas, whose yard is enjoying its best strike rate to date this season. He was most impressive on his hurdling debut at Kelso and is worth a shot at the likely prices despite the concession of 6lb to the Pipe inmate. Despite being supported into favouritism on his debut for Paul Nicholls, Fidelio Vallis was rather low-key and much better is expected now on this first start since October.
Mario De Pail (FR) 15-8fav (10-12) Prominent, went 2nd 2 out, soon led, clear when wandered slightly into last, stayed on, comfortably, won at Kelso 2m (4) sft in Dec beating Dubai Days (10-12) by 12l, 13 ran.
Shantou Vow (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Held up mid-division, pushed along after 5th, behind when reminder after 6th, 12th of 16, dist behind Normandy Soldier (10-12) at Hereford 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec.
Cardiff Bay 66-1 (10-12) Held up, closed before 4th, mistake 6th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, last of 7, dist behind Edwardstone (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f (3) gs in Dec.
Eden Du Houx (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Raced wide, with winner, outpaced before 2 out, soon lost place and ridden, no danger after, 4th of 5, 19 1/2l behind Hang In There (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov.
Fidelio Vallis (FR) 9-4fav (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 23 1/2l behind Prudhomme (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) sft in Oct.
I Am Plastered 14-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, mistake and well beaten 3 out, 6th of 8, dist behind Lieutenant Rocco (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
Jobesgreen Lad 20-1 (11-5) Green and not that fluent, mid-division on outside, mistake 5th, well beaten 3 out, last of 9, 35 3/4l behind Beaufort West (11-5) at Chepstow 2m mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
Riggs (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway on outside 7f out, outpaced over 4f out, no impression after, 6th of 9, 21 1/4l behind One True King (11-4) at Ludlow 1m 6f (4) sft in Jan.
