tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, soon led, ridden between last 2, stayed on under pressure flat, held on near finish
led, driven 3 out, soon headed, outpaced between last 2, no chance with front trio from last
tracked leader, not fluent 4 out, effort next, chased winner 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 3rd and held closing stages
held up in touch, outpaced after 3 out, no chance with leaders after
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden after 2 out, edged right, rallied and went 2nd flat, closing towards finish, not quite reach winner
CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN made it two from two over hurdles in a Grade 2 at Ascot in December. The second bolted up at Towcester earlier this week and the third had won its previous two so the form looks solid enough and Nico de Boinville’s mount is hard to oppose here even though Simply The Betts is 8lb better off than when beaten under seven lengths by the selection at Newbury a couple of months ago. The latter was a shade disappointing at Kempton over Christmas however. Beyond The Clouds won over course and distance in November and is still unbeaten over hurdles, though this is his toughest task to date and he was beaten by Ballyvic Boru in a bumper here a year ago. Brahms De Clermont has won three times in the west country but is starting to look a little exposed.
Beyond The Clouds 2-5fav (11-5) Tracked front pair, mistake 3rd, smooth headway 3 out, soon led, drew clear on bit after next, impressive, won at Musselburgh 2m (4) gd in Nov beating Golden Jeffrey (11-12) by 8l, 14 ran.
Brahms De Clermont (FR) 10-11fav (11-10) Made all, soon 5 lengths clear, driven when blundered 2 out, mistake last, stayed on well, won at Taunton 2m (4) sft in Dec beating Show On The Road (10-12) by 2 3/4l, 14 ran.
Claimantakinforgan (FR) 6-4fav (11-0) Took keen hold early, tracked leaders on inside, went 2nd going well before 2 out, led last, stayed on strongly, ridden out, won at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Dr Des (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Ballyvic Boru (IRE) 4-7fav (11-0) Tracked leader, took keen hold, led after 3 out, pressed from next, kept on well run-in, always in command, won at Perth 2m mdn (4) gd in Jul beating Play The Game (10-12) by 3 1/4l, 5 ran.
Simply The Betts (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden to chase winner briefly approaching 2 out, soon one pace, 4th of 8, 14l behind If The Cap Fits (11-8) at Kempton 2m (2) gs in Dec.
