tracked clear leader, not fluent 5th, closed 6th, led 3 out, unextended
keen hold, prominent, jumped very slowly and lost place 2nd, moderate late headway
headway 3rd, 3rd and well beaten when unseated rider 2 out
jumped right, led and soon clear, ridden 6th, headed 3 out, 4th and well beaten when hampered 2 out
held up and behind, mistake 3rd, outpaced from 6th
keen hold in rear, headway and mistake 3rd, mistake 6th, chased winner after 3 out, soon no impression
keen hold and prominent, behind from 5th, tailed off
some headway and mistake 4th weakened 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
in touch until weakened and behind 5th
The presence of the highly progressive hurdler Nas Na Riogh makes this an uncompetitive contest which, barring accidents, should prove a good opportunity for Nicky Henderson's filly to register a third success over timber. The daughter of King's Theatre looked a smart prospect when coming clear to lift a Grade 1 Juvenile event at Chepstow last time and meets nothing of that calibre in this weak affair. Honey's Gift was a disappointing maiden on the Flat and had shown little over timber until a placed effort at Fakenham on her latest start. However, she appears to have plenty to find on her overall level of form and looks booked for a place at best while Plaisance was already well beaten when falling two out on her hurdling bow at Southwell in late January and hasn't been seen since. In the circumstances it would be no surprise if the newcomer Andromache, who boasts only modest form on the level, proved good enough to chase the selection home.
