tracked leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along after 2 out and no impression early straight, ridden and went 3rd before last, 2nd and kept on one pace run-in, no chance with easy winner
tracked leader, 3rd halfway, jumped left 2 out, soon pushed along and 2nd entering straight, dropped to 5th approaching last where jumped left, soon no extra
held up towards rear, ran freely, 5th halfway, mistake 4 out, headway travelling well between horses entering straight, led approaching last, cruised clear run-in, very easily
held up in rear, pushed along after 2 out and went 4th approaching last, no impression run-in
tracked leaders, 2nd after 4th, slight mistake next, pushed along and lost place on outer entering straight, soon no extra in rear, weakened
led, 2 lengths clear halfway, pushed along after 2 out and headed approaching last, 3rd and no impression run-in
NonRunner
Nicky Henderson's 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante is still capable of a big run having seen the back of brilliant stablemate Constitutional Hill three times this campaign and winning a Grade 2 at Doncaster. Fellow raider LOVE ENVOI looked like winning a top-class renewal of the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham but found Honeysuckle just too strong in the closing stages and can regain the winning thread. Queens Brook wasn't far behind in the latter race having travelled well throughout so should go close and though Echoes In Rain and Brandy Love couldn't get into contention neither can be dismissed with the former having already won a Grade 1 here.
Anna Bunina (FR) 13-2 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner 3 out, driven before last, lost 2nd flat, kept on, 3rd of 10, 4 1/4l behind Rubaud (10-11) at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Brandy Love (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, last 3 out, headway and not much room final bend, no impression on leaders and disputing 4th last, one pace, 5th of 9, 11l behind Honeysuckle (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
Echoes In Rain (FR) 9-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, closed going well after 3 out, switched right after 2 out, no impression on leaders and disputing 4th last, one pace, 4th of 9, 9 3/4l behind Honeysuckle (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
Epatante (FR) 14-1 (11-3) Held up in 4th, took keen hold, closed before clipping wing 3 out, switched right approaching 2 out, switched right again and outpaced before last, well held flat, 4th of 6, 12 1/2l behind Constitution Hill (11-10) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
Love Envoi (IRE) 11-1 (11-5) Prominent, led after 3rd, ridden and pressed last, edged left and headed flat, no impression on winner towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Honeysuckle (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
Shewearsitwell (IRE) 28-1 (11-5) Prominent until before 2nd, chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, ridden and beaten after 2 out, weakened before last, last of 9, 24 1/4l behind Honeysuckle (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
Queens Brook (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, lost a place 4th, well in touch on outside 3 out, ridden after 2 out, edged right before last, 3rd and held last, kept on, 3rd of 9, 5 3/4l behind Honeysuckle (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
