led, headed 2nd, stayed prominent, led again 5th, headed 7th, ridden 3 out, every chance 2 out, one pace when wandering approaching last
in rear, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, led and going well 3 out, pulled up approaching 2 out and dismounted
in touch, ridden 7th, weakened next, pulled up before 3 out
in rear, ridden and some progress 7th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division and keen, lost place 4th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
held up mid-division, steady headway after 6th, ridden to chase leader when left in lead 2 out, hit last, all out near finish
in rear, reminders 3rd, mistake 5th, not fluent next, behind when pulled up before 4 out
held up rear, headway 6th, narrow leader next, headed 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders and keen, weakened 7th, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leaders, weakened 7th, pulled up approaching 2 out
led 2nd, ridden 7th, weakened next, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 7th, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, switched left approaching last, kept on
in touch and keen, weakened 6th, pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, steady headway 4 out, weakened approaching next, pulled up before 2 out
A big field is in attendance in the opener but many have little or no chance, and our vote goes to Brads House over Art Virginia and Hero Again. Brads House sets the standard here, having come up against subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner Detroit City at Sandown in February before only finding the odds-on Taking My Cut too good at Chepstow later that month. Given a rest since, John O 'Shea's charge lines up fresh and ready to lose his maiden tag. Art Virginia was useful a few seasons ago but has not really progressed, and the Henderson stable are not really in the best of form at present. Hero Again raced on much softer ground in Ireland and is best watched on his British debut for Jonjo O'Neill, while the rest make little or no appeal, and all in all, this looks best left to Brads House.
Art Virginia (FR) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, took closer order 6th, ridden from 3 out, weakened, 5th of 12, 20l behind Oscatello (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Considine (USA) 33-1 (11-0) Mistake 1st and 6th, always behind, 9th of 19, 46l behind Onward To Glory (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd.
Corble (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Prominent, led 4th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 15, 19l behind Star Shot (11-3) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Double Date (FR) 150-1 (10-12) In touch, weakened quickly and jumped left 6th pulled up 5 out in race won by The Luder (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Mar, 15 ran.
Hero Again (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Rear of mid-division, 9th 3 out, kept on well, 4th of 18, 12l behind Nutmeg Tune (10-13) at Thurles 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Mar.
Brads House (IRE) 7-2 (10-7) Keen and prominent, led approaching 3 out, soon clear, ridden last, headed close home, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Taking My Cut (11-3) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Noun De La Thinte (FR) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 9th of 16, 44l behind Atlantic Jane (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs mdn hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Carricklee Boy (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) With leaders, not fluent 8th, lost 2nd at 10th, jumped right, struggling from 12th, tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Mr Boo (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (4) gf in Mar.
