Expert Analysis

A non-event following the withdrawals of 161-rated Edwardstone and 153-rated Sizing Pottsie on account of the “going” (considered too fast, or too slow, punters will never know), which times throughout the day suggested was predominantly “good to soft”, Nube Negra completing an easy task with the minimum of fuss. Finishing speed %s were only a little quicker than par, suggesting the race was run at an OK pace in the circumstances.

NUBE NEGRA (c156+ here, 165 previously) repeated his win from 12 months before but in bloodless style against negligible opposition this time, leading after the first, mostly jumping well and at least a few lengths clear, getting his rivals at it by 3 out and merely nudged along until allowed to coast near the finish. He is a very smart two-miler, but this is a strong division at present.

GANAPATHI (c140? here and previously) switched since his previous start from Willie Mullins, for whom he showed useful form as a novice hurdler and more recently novice chaser, got as close as could be hoped for beforehand, though whether it amounts to much is unclear, leading briefly early then mostly last of the 3 before rallying after 3 out without troubling the winner at all.

DALY TIGER (c96 here, ? previously) had not been known for his consistency but is now running consistently poorly.