pressed sole rival, led briefly after 4th, outpaced 5 out, kept on but no chance with easy winner before next
made most from sole rival, stumbled on landing and headed briefly after 4th, went on 5 out, well clear next, in no danger after, unextended
NonRunner
A fascinating contest as there wouldn’t have been much between this trio over hurdles. Further rain would suit FIRST FLOW, who has had his problems since winning a Grade 2 at Haydock last year but reappeared with a promising fifth at Sandown. Solomon Grey ran well at Ayr three weeks ago but may find this trip a bit short and Black Mischief is another who will likely thrive when going further.
Black Mischief 50-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, soon short of room briefly, unable to quicken before last, weakened flat, 11th of 24, 23 1/2l behind Sire Du Berlais (11-9) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Solomon Grey (FR) 2-1fav (11-11) Mid-division, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, led after 3 out, soon hard pressed, headed just after last, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Mahlervous (11-2) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
First Flow (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, chased clear leader on long run after 3 out, closer when lost 2nd before 2 out, chased leaders, weakened last, 5th of 13, 11 1/2l behind Malaya (10-2) at Sandown 2m hcp (1) sft in Mar.
