led to 5th, regained lead after 5 out, clear before 2 out
in rear in 5th, pushed along after 5 out, soon weakened
close up, went 2nd before 4 out, no impression on winner before 2 out
with leaders, led 5th, headed after 5 out, lost 2nd 4 out, one pace
with leaders, pushed along and weakened before 4 out
It's impossible to get away from the chances of MASSENA, who should complete the hat-trick. Venetia Williams' charge followed a hard-fought victory at Leicester with an emphatic victory there last week despite an 8lb rise. He's turned out quickly under a penalty and his young rider's claim is another bonus. Cloverhill Lad loves testing ground as he showed with a comfortable victory at Newcastle and he'll ensure the selection doesn't have things all his own way. Pamak D'Airy had been in good form at a level below this until running poorly in this grade a fortnight ago but Desgrey was having his first start over fences when a close fourth at Catterick and will undoubtedly improve for the experience. Willie Mullins couldn't get a victory out of Champagne Agent over jumps and a change of scenery hasn't done much for him so far while Mister Wall Street blundered his way around Musselburgh last time.
Massena (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, clear before next, easily, won at Leicester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft beating Arkaim (11-8) by 22l, 6 ran.
Champagne Agent (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Tracked winner until 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up after 2 out, in a race won by Seeyouatmidnight (10-12) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Cloverhill Lad (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, led after 3rd, headed 4th, tracked leader, led before 4 out, clear before 2 out, kept on from last, won at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) hvy in Jan beating Dancing Art (11-11) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.
Pamak D'airy (FR) 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, soon mid-division, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 30l behind Indian Voyage (10-2) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
Mister Wall Street (FR) 10-1 (11-7) In rear, blundered 4th, weakened before 5 out, last of 6, well behind Lord Of Drums (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f (4) gd in Dec.
Desgrey 10-1 (11-1) Held up in rear, headway 7 out, soon tracked leaders, in 3rd when mistake 2 out, weakened before last, 4th of 6, 6l behind Alderbrook Lad (10-6) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan.
