tracked leaders, led 6th, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened next
prominent, led approaching 2nd to 6th, weakened from next
mid-division, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened from next
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, beaten when not fluent last
mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened after next
held up, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
took keen hold, always behind, tailed off from 3 out
led to 2nd, led again 3 out, clear last, ridden out
mistake 1st, always behind, tailed off from 3 out
whipped round and unseated rider start
Major Euro and Radcliffe have both shown ability from limited opportunities over hurdles but a chance is taken with Cigarillo, who possesses decent bumper form and, if translating that to hurdles, he can prove too classy for his rivals. Major Euro seems to be flattered by his proximity to the enigmatic Bosham Mill judged by his latest effort at Uttoxeter last month and Radcliffe has showed the better overall form over hurdles. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding won a Fakenham bumper last term and has shown gradual improvement since going over timber, latterly when second to Showpiece at Aintree. However, Cigarillo has more scope for improvement than his rivals, has shown decent form in two starts since coming back after more than a year off and, with trainer Noel Chance sure to have had him well schooled, he is taken to make a winning debut over hurdles. A market move for Martin Pipe's newcomer Rosdari should be noted as he would not need to be out of the ordinary to win first time up but the form of the stable is a concern. The Dark Lord appeals most of the remainder.
