took keen hold, tracked leader, mistake 3rd, lost 2nd and outpaced soon after 3 out, weakened under pressure before next
led, driven before 2 out, headed before last, no chance with winner, hung left under pressure run-in
prominent, mistake and lost place 3rd, mistake next, no impression and weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, mistake 5th, went 2nd after 3 out, one pace and no impression before last
veered left start, always behind, tailed off 4th
held up behind leaders and always going well, smooth headway to dispute 2nd before 2 out, quickened to lead before last, ridden clear run-in
took keen hold in touch, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out
The scope for progression swings the selection in the favour of Il Duce, who can reverse recent form with Limited Edition, while Sea Captain looks the better of the Nicky Henderson-trained pair at this stage and he is worth noting in the betting market. Mick Fitzgerald takes the mount for his hurdles debut and he is one to bear in mind for future reference. Limited Edition has obviously strengthened up this term and looks a bright prospect. However, he will need to be on his game to confirm his superiority over the selection and he is reluctantly passed over in the search for better odds. Il Duce is far less exposed over hurdles and, with this more demanding track sure to play to his strengths, the son of Anshan looks the one to be on for a fair price in a tight race to call.
Limited Edition (IRE) 16-1 Made all, ridden approaching last, all out, won at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (E) gd in Jan beating Il Duce by a nk, 16 ran.
Its Crucial (IRE) 6-1 Made most, clear last, eased close home, won at Hereford 2m 1f nh nov hdl (E) sft beating Montgermont by 2 1/2l, 14 ran.
Gallant Approach (IRE) won at Limerick Points 3m ptp sft in Mar beating No Small Talk by 12l, 13 ran.
Il Duce (IRE) 9-1 Mid-division and keen, headway approaching 3f out, went 2nd approaching last, hard ridden but just held run-in, 2nd of 16, nk behind Limited Edition at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (E) gd in Jan.
Jack Doran 100-1 Held up and pulled hard, saddle soon slipped, headway to lead after 6f, headed halfway and pulled up in race won by Sunset Light at Towcester 2m nhf (H) sft, 12 ran.
Sea Captain 9-2 Mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, 7th of 14, 14l behind Lutea at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Sunley Future (IRE) 20-1 Held up in mid-division, headway halfway, weakened over 4f out, 6th of 11, 33l behind Wild Cane Ridge at Ayr 2m nhf (H) sft in Apr.
