in touch, took closer order before 4 out, ridden when mistake 2 out, jumped left last, kept on one pace, no match for winner
made all, not fluent 10th, came clear from 2 out, easily
chased leader, lost place approaching 4 out, made no impression from next
in touch, hit 4 out, took closer order before 4 out when not fluent, ridden when stumbled 2 out, plugged on from last
HITMAN (NAP) is also engaged at Ascot but this is his designated first choice and looks a solid opportunity for the six-year-old to put a win on the board after a series of excellent placed efforts in Grade 1 and 2 company. He only went down by a head on his first run of the campaign in the Old Roan Chase when giving the winner 20lb. He always seems to run his race and sets a strong standard. Itchy Feet is talented at his best, but hasn't won since February 2020 and connections will be hoping that wind surgery brings about improvement - he's pulled up on his last two starts. Minella Drama has plenty to find with the selection on the figures, as does Erne River, but the latter is an interesting second-season chaser who is well worth keeping an eye on for the future.
Erne River (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Chased winner until 3rd, off the pace in 3rd and never on terms after, not fluent 6th, went left and hit 16th, 3rd of 4, 25 1/2l behind Saint Calvados (11-0) at Sandown 2m 7f (1) gd in Apr.
Hitman (FR) 10-3 (11-12) Held up behind leaders, close 3rd 2 out, soon switched right, went 2nd last, pressing winner flat, just held, 2nd of 8, hd behind Riders Onthe Storm (10-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Oct.
Itchy Feet (FR) 66-1 (11-7) Towards rear on outside, not really going that well from 6th, slow 9th, hanging left 10th, not fluent and reminder next, well behind 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) gs in Apr.
Minella Drama (IRE) 11-4 (11-10) Led, ridden and faced challenge after 2 out, headed and hit last, faded run-in, 4th of 7, 12 1/4l behind Beauport (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Oct.
