Held up in 3rd, way behind leader, not fluent 2nd, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, closed and went 2nd 2 out, challenging when jumped left and not fluent last, led flat, driven out op 12/1
Raced freely, set good gallop and soon well clear, jumped left 5th, hit 3 out, reduced lead before 2 out, ridden and joined last, headed flat, held towards finish op 4/9
AZZURI looks to have been found a good opportunity to register his third hurdle success by taking this opening contest. Trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Sam Davies-Thomas have a 33% strike-rate (6/18) when teaming up together and the selection looks capable of getting the better of Pasaka Boy who finished third on his debut over hurdles while Rasasee can claim third for the third time in succession.