jumped left on 2nd circuit, keen hold tracking leader, hit 4 out, challenged and went left next, went left and led 2 out, left again last and soon headed, kept on run-in
held up, steady headway 6th, driven to close on leaders approaching 2 out, driven to challenge last, soon led, driven out
hit 1st, led, ridden after 3 out, headed 2 out, rallied well under pressure run-in
held up last, struggling 4 out, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
held up in 6th, weakened 4 out, tailed off
chased leading pair, driven approaching last and still well there 2 out, weakened after last
chased leaders in 4th, lost place 6th, weakened before next
Refinement was given a quiet ride over the course and distance last time and whilst she has obvious claims, she really needs further than this and so preference is for Gaspara ahead of Bold Fire. The last-named is undoubtedly well-treated on chasing form but the problem is her inconsistent jumping; she cannot be fancied until she shows more fluency over the obstacles. Gaspara on the other hand, looks worth a bet. Second on her reappearance and second in a Grade One Aintree hurdle last season, David Pipe's filly must be high on anyone's shortlist. She is effective on any ground and with further improvement likely this year, and well-treated at the weights by the terms of this race, she is fancied to oblige. Refinement has been kept fit by some flat runs but wasn't given the most vigorous of McCoy rides on her return to hurdles last time out; she will run better today and with stamina her forte she cannot be ruled out if they go a fair gallop. Cream Cracker was beaten easily behind Gaspara and cannot be fancied to turn the tables, whilst Kruguyrova makes her British debut. Her French form is hard to evaluate but if the market speaks in her favour then don't be surprised to see a big run. All told though this looks a good opportunity for Gaspara to resume winning ways.
Kruguyrova (FR) (10-5) Made all, stayed on strongly, won at Auteuil 2m 2f 4yo hdl Grd 3 (1) in Mar beating Gaelic Ocean (10-3) by 6l, 9 ran.
Refinement (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, ridden after 3 out, no impression approaching next, 6th of 8, 12l behind Chomba Womba (10-10) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) gd.
Gaspara (FR) 1-2fav (11-2) Led, blundered 3rd, ridden approaching 3 out, joined 2 out, worn down and not much room towards finish, 2nd of 5, shd behind Annie's Answer (10-12) at Wetherby 2m mrs lst nov hdl (1) gf.
Silver Charmer 33-1 (11-5) Always behind, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Pigeon Island (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Sept, 17 ran.
Bold Fire 9-2 (11-12) Held up, behind when unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Eden Linty (10-8) at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs hcp hdl (2) gd, 10 ran.
Cream Cracker 17-2 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 8th, ridden 3 out, stayed on one pace, 6th of 10, 12l behind Eden Linty (10-8) at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs hcp hdl (2) gd.
Sharbasia (IRE) (10-1) Always behind, 7th of 11, 36l behind Leaudeva (10-6) at Enghien 2m 1f chs hvy in Apr.
