tracked leading pair, went 2nd approaching 7th, over-jumped 12th, travelling well approaching 2 out, upsides last, ridden to lead run-in, driven and stayed on
held up last, pulled up before 11th (water)
led, hit 12th, pushed along before 3 out, hit 2 out, soon ridden, joined last, headed and not pace of winner run-in, kept on
pushed along from start to chase winner until approaching 7th, chased leading pair until 9th, ridden before 11th, outpaced and no chance from 4 out
raced keenly tracking leading trio, tracked leading pair 9th, pushed along before 3 out, ridden and one pace before the last
Lostintranslation and DEFI DU SEUIL finished 1-2 in the Grade 2 Dipper at Cheltenham a month ago but the winner only had a length-and-a-quarter to spare at the line and the runner-up is 3lb better off. Philip Hobbs’ novice had earlier beaten a decent field at Exeter and is still on an upward curve so gets the nod to end the unbeaten record under Rules of Vinndication. Kim Bailey’s charge is much respected, however, as he always seems to find more when asked and has the beating of Mulcahys Hill on collateral form. Dell Oro won a handicap at Huntingdon last month but was no match for Vinndication over hurdles last season.
Defi Du Seuil (FR) 5-2 (11-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, driven flat, headed towards finish, 2nd of 4, 1 1/4l behind Lostintranslation (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Jan.
Dell Oro (FR) 13-8fav (11-8) Chased leaders on inside, went 2nd 13th, led 2 out, soon clear stayed on strongly, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jan beating Stamp Your Feet (11-2) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
Lostintranslation (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Led until 2 out, switched right on landing last, stayed on well, led again towards finish, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Jan beating Defi Du Seuil (11-3) by 1 1/4l, 4 ran.
Mulcahys Hill (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Ridden along leaving start, tracked leader until led 3rd, ridden and headed briefly 2 out, left in lead next, headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Jerrysback (11-0) at Bangor 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec.
Vinndication (IRE) 8-13fav (11-0) Jumped well, tracked leader, led 7th until before 12th, led again before 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Ascot 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec beating Jerrysback (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
