soon led, mistake 3 out, not fluent next, headed 5 out, rallied after next, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, led 2 out, stayed on well
with leader, led 5 out, headed 2 out, no extra after last
settled off the pace in 4th, took closer order 4 out, effort when mistake 2 out, soon outpaced, stayed on in to 2nd after last, no chance with winner
BLACK KEY carries a double penalty having won twice over timber when trained in Ireland but came up against much higher rated rivals than these in Listed company here on his debut for Donald McCain’s yard. He should come out best if running anywhere near his mark. Captain Moirette and Chambard are other winners over hurdles with the former scoring at Catterick but the latter is preferred on today’s testing ground. Skiddaw Valleys is another with something to prove on this surface though is still preferred to hurdling newcomer It's Never Enough, who hasn’t raced since September.
Black Key 8-1 (11-0) Led until approaching and mistake 1st, remained prominent, jumped right 4th, blundered 4 out, soon lost place, 4th of 5, 29l behind Grand Sancy (11-0) at Haydock 2m lst (1) gd in Nov.
Captain Moirette (FR) 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, headway into 2nd 2 out, driven to challenge between last 2, led flat, ridden out, kept on, won at Catterick 2m (4) gd in Feb beating Zoffany Bay (11-8) by 3 1/4l, 8 ran.
Chambard (FR) 13-8 (11-8) Tracked leading pair, 2nd going well approaching 6th, pushed along and upsides 2 out, ridden and no impression between last 2, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 1l behind Dominateur (11-8) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) sft in Mar.
Skiddaw Valleys 6-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, soon in touch, challenged before 4th until approaching 3 out, went 2nd before last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Dream Du Grand Val (11-8) at Kelso 2m (3) gd in Feb.
It's Never Enough 8-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Newmarket Warrior (9-3) at Ayr 1m hcp (5) sft in Sep.
