tracked leaders on inside, went 2 lengths 2nd approaching 2 out, left with chance as winner blundered last, stayed on, always held
led, 2nd, hit 4th, pushed along and headed 3 out, lost 2nd on long run before next, weakened
slightly hampered 4th, always in rear and never a factor, tailed off
held up in last pair, outpaced 3 out, plugged on from next, went 3rd between last 2, no chance with 1st 2
keen tracking leaders, hit 4 out, 2nd briefly on long run before next, weakened between last 2, blundered last
led until 2nd, led again 3 out, 2 lengths ahead 2 out, ridden before blundered last, hung left run-in, stayed on
keen, tracked leaders on outside until fell 4th
NonRunner
This wasn’t the first choice of prep race for ANGELS BREATH and he is conceding weight to today’s rivals but it will shake up the Cheltenham ante-post markets if the grey loses his unbeaten record this afternoon. Southfield Stone could be a danger on his third to Elixir De Nutz in last month’s Tolworth Hurdle but he was tried over a longer trip next time. Nicky Henderson should know where he stands with Rouge Vif on a line through Mister Fisher while Scarlet Dragon continues to hold up his progress by pulling hard, though he is undoubtedly talented. Tokay Dokey arrives with an unblemished record but this is a big step up in class and the tough Brecon Hill could offer more value for each-way punters.
Angels Breath (IRE) 6-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, 2nd going well 2f out, led over 1f out, soon quickened clear, impressive, won at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Danny Kirwan (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Brecon Hill (IRE) 8-11fav (11-11) Tracked leader, led after 3rd, not fluent next, clear towards finish, stayed on well, won at Leicester 2m (3) gd in Jan beating Cardigan Bay (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 11 ran.
I K Brunel 11-2 (10-12) Held up, closed after 2nd, not fluent next, not fluent 2 out, soon outpaced, kept on and went 3rd towards finish, unable to challenge, 3rd of 5, 5 1/4l behind Elixir De Nutz (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (3) gd in Dec.
Normal Norman 8-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 5 out, driven to lead flat, ran on well, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (2) gd in Jan beating Chica Buena (10-7) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Scarlet Dragon 2-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, in touch in mid-division, closed 5th, went 2nd 3 out, led before next, clear last, easily, won at Huntingdon 2m (4) gs in Jan beating Kingofthecotswolds (11-4) by 4 1/2l, 14 ran.
Southfield Stone 4-6fav (12-2) Led, joined last, headed and unable to quicken run-in, kept on for clear 2nd, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Bold Plan (11-4) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) sft in Feb.
Tokay Dokey (IRE) 4-7fav (11-5) Held up in touch, led on bit 2 out, soon shaken up, not fluent last, ridden and ran on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Nov beating Speed Company (10-12) by 4l, 14 ran.
Daphne Du Clos (FR) Evensfav (10-11) Mid-division, closed 4th, hit next, shaken up after not fluent 3 out, soon beaten, one pace, 5th of 14, 9 3/4l behind Scarlet Dragon (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Rouge Vif (FR) 4-11fav (11-11) Led hit 3 out, headed approaching when hit next, rallied to lead again after last, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Point Break (11-4) by 3/4l, 15 ran.
