tracked leader until not fluent 5th, ridden and weakened soon after, fell 6th
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, ran on to regain lead close home
held up, mid-division, headway approaching 6th to track leaders, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 3 out
in touch, ridden 6th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, pushed along 4th, mistake when weakening 4 out
always behind, tailed off halfway
behind, tailed off halfway, pulled up before 3 out
held up rear, some headway 4 out, not reach leaders
prominent until ridden and weakened after 4 out
in touch, weakening when hampered 4 out
held up rear, headway approaching 6th, ridden to join winner 2 out, led approaching last, mistake and headed, rallied again close home, unlucky
A very good race to start the card and Emanic, Mezereon and Late Claim are all respected. However, Culpa Cairde has come a long way for this and is given a confident vote to start the meeting with a winner. The son of Double Eclipse, who still holds a Triumph Hurdle entry, has some rock-solid form to his name - especially his Grade 3 defeat of Top Strategy at Punchestown at the start of the year. The four-year-old's subsequent efforts do leave a little to be desired but he obviously has plenty of ability and it will be no surprise to see him bounce back today. Emanic is also on a retrieval mission after finding the soft ground at Doncaster undoing his challenge in a similar contest in January. However, he has the beating of Late Claim on earlier form and is no forlorn hope of going close on this faster ground. Mezereon also has to be given a solid mention after his effort in chasing home Howle Hill at Wetherby last November. The Declan Carroll-trained gelding has taken well to hurdles and is one to bear in mind for future events no matter what happens today. In contrast to Calmintha, who has plenty to find after a well below par display at Folkestone earlier in the month and looks to be one to be wary of for the time being. Therefore, Culpa Cairde, with only a mandatory 6lb penalty for winning a Graded race, looks to be a far more solid option today and can get back to winning ways if all goes to plan this afternoon.
