tracked leaders, reached for 3rd, pushed along before next, ridden after 4 out, dropped to well held 4th when not fluent 3 out, went 3rd again last, hung right flat, stayed on, no chance with winner
chased winner, not fluent 1st, no impression from 2 out, stayed on same pace
jumped left in rear, went 3rd before 3 out, no impression, 4th and weakening last
made all, jumped left 5th, clear from 2 out, comfortably
Sir Chauvelin was consistent on the level but the evidence of his first three runs over timber suggests he's going to be even better in this code. He's already landed two of three starts to date, both over course and distance and faces optimum conditions here. However, TOMMY SILVER (NAP) created the most favourable of impressions on debut when just run out of things at Newbury by the more experienced and talented Fixe Le Cap, who looks Triumph Hurdle-bound at the Cheltenham Festival. Paul Nicholls' charge receives a very healthy 8lb from the top-weight which should be more than enough to see him home. Ashoka and Sikandar must improve on achievements to date to trouble the selection.
Sir Chauvelin 10-11fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, drew clear last, ran on strongly, won at Musselburgh 2m (2) gs in Jan beating Magic Dancer (10-12) by 12l, 5 ran.
Ashoka (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Held up, jumped slowly 2nd, closed 4th, went 2nd briefly before 2 out, no impression, 4th and weakening from hurdle, 4th of 7, 21 1/2l behind Gibralfaro (10-12) at Kempton 2m (3) gs in Dec.
Sikandar (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Chased leaders, effort 3 out, stayed on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 5, 15l behind Sir Chauvelin (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m (2) gs in Jan.
Tommy Silver (FR) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, 2nd 3 out, soon challenged, led narrowly last, ridden and headed flat, kept on, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Fixe Le Kap (10-12) at Newbury 2m (3) sft in Dec.
