Quel Destin has a very long absence to overcome but has always been campaigned at a high level. However, Paul Nicholls also runs Milan Bridge, who was 3-5 over hurdles and has placed in a point. Enemenemynemo is still a maiden and One For You didn’t show much on his fencing bow but ARIZONA CARDINAL jumped well when defying top weight at Bangor last month and Finn Lambert’s claim is a massive bonus this time.
Milan Bridge (IRE) 3-1fav (10-12) In touch towards rear, not fluent 3rd, pushed along 3 out, headway 2 out, went 2nd before last, no impression on winner, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Remastered (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Quel Destin (FR) 2-1 (9-10) In touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, no threat to leading pair, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Ravenscar (9-6) at Southwell 2m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Arizona Cardinal 5-1 (12-0) Made virtually all, jumped well, faced strong challenge 3 out, ridden and 1 length ahead last, stayed on gamely, all out, just held on, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Oct beating Mucho Mas (11-10) by nk, 11 ran.
Enemenemynemo (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Front mid-division, pushed along home turn, ridden to chase leaders before 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 11, 22 3/4l behind My Bobby Dazzler (11-12) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
One For You (IRE) 11-2 (12-0) Jumped left on occasions, in rear, hit 11th, well behind when ridden along 3 out, ran on from 2 out, made no telling impression, 4th of 7, 24 1/2l behind Go On Chez (11-13) at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.