A race that has only occasionally had much of a bearing on the Champion Hurdle back here in March, and this year’s edition did not even produce a ripple in the betting for that contest. The pace was sound for the conditions (102.7% finishing speed from 2 out) and the penalty structure ultimately made the difference in a close finish.
GUARD YOUR DREAMS (h153 here, 149 previously) continues to thrive, his willing attitude and the fact that he was receiving weight from the runner-up serving him well here. He raced close up and led at various times after halfway, regaining the lead halfway up the run-in and continuing to find under pressure. He looks to have gained a bit of speed in the last year, perfectly at home at two miles in these circumstances.
SONG FOR SOMEONE (h158 here and previously) ended up running creditably and to the level he showed in winning this 12 months ago but looked a tricky ride along the way, going in snatches but rallying having lost his place and still gaining at the line. He has not been tried in headgear yet.
HUNTERS CALL (h152 here, 148 previously) ran a personal best at the age of 11, looking like winning for a while after travelling well tracking the pace then leading between the last 2, headed on the run-in and finding no extra.
HEAVEN HELP US (h136 here, 149 previously) still has not got near the form of her win in the Coral Cup at this track but this was a bit more encouraging, losing her place at halfway and none too fluent but rallying somewhat to pass three of her rivals.
BALLYADAM (h125 here, ? previously) is something of an enigma, looking talented again here for a long way returned to hurdles but finding nothing when push came to shove. Some form of headgear may be required but not if it causes him to pull even harder than he did early here.
SCEAU ROYAL (h124 here, 159 previously) gave the impression he was taken to the well once too often (fourth run in seven weeks), held up and travelling comfortably enough until fading after 2 out. He would have been there or thereabouts at his best.
WILDE ABOUT OSCAR (h0 here, 148 previously) lost a shoe at the first but led/raced close up until weakening quickly 2 out.
