tracked leader, shaken up briefly between last 2, led last, comfortably
held up disputing 3rd, outpaced before 2out
held up disputing 3rd. went clear 3rd 2out, not pace of first 2
led, quickened approaching 2out, headed last, not pace of winner
NonRunner
Reigning champion hurdler BUVEUR D’AIR is impossible to oppose in this. Beaten just once in eight starts over timber, he’s won his last seven with the last three coming at the highest level. He was always cantering in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his reappearance and beat last year’s runner-up The New One twice in the spring. The latter isn’t getting any younger but ran his usual game race in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham 10 days ago when trying to give 6lb to My Tent Or Yours. Old Guard was only fifth that day and looks held while handicappers Chesterfield and Mohaayed have a mountain to climb on these terms.
Buveur D'Air (FR) 1-6fav (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd place, went 2nd from 6 out, led on bit 3 out, readily drew clear before last, hard held, won at Newcastle 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Irving (11-7) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Chesterfield (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, some headway and plugging on when hampered 2 out, weakened, 13th of 17, 20 1/2l behind Hunters Call (10-3) at Ascot 2m hcp (1) gs in Dec.
Mohaayed 7-1 (11-7) Towards rear, headway before 3 out, went 3rd from 2 out, kept on to take 2nd and held towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Irish Roe (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Dec.
The New One (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Jumped slightly right, led, ridden and headed narrowly last, edged left flat, stayed on gamely, held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind My Tent Or Yours (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Old Guard 9-1 (11-4) Tracked leader until 2 out, one pace when squeezed out before last, hung left after last, stayed on final 100 yards, no impression, 5th of 7, 3 3/4l behind My Tent Or Yours (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
