tracked winner until pushed along 2 out, soon weakened
made all and soon clear, reduced lead 4th, clear again 3 out, hit last, ridden out
close up in 3rd, headway to chase winner 2 out, ridden and no impression from next
Despite a 420-day absence, former champion hurdler BUVEUR D’AIR should be winning this getting weight from his two rivals though is approaching the veteran stage now and will be a short price. Ballyandy is also a 10-year-old and carries 6lb more than when landing the contest 12 months ago but should make a race of it. Navajo Pass is a smart handicapper arriving off an easy win but it will be surprise if he’s good enough to challenge the other pair on these terms.
Ballyandy 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders in 4th, pushed along after 3 out, plugged on in modest 3rd before next, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 5, 15l behind Silver Streak (11-7) at Kempton 2m (1) gs in Dec.
Navajo Pass 7-1 (12-0) Chased leader, led after 4 out, clear when jumped right and not fluent 2 out, went right and not fluent last, easily, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Newtown Boy (11-0) by 9 1/2l, 9 ran.
Buveur D'Air (FR) 2-13fav (11-7) Held up in 3rd, went 2nd behind clear leader (winner) when shaken up after 3 out, hit next, 1 length down last, ridden and stayed on to challenge flat, just held,, 2nd of 5, shd behind Cornerstone Lad (11-7) at Newcastle 2m (1) hvy in Nov.
