held up in touch, headway 3 out, chased winner next, no impression
held up, jumped left 2nd, outpaced 6th, never dangerous
chased leaders, weakened 6th
led, headed 4 out, weakened next
held up, outpaced 4th, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace
outpaced 6th, no impression after
always behind, tailed off from 4th, pulled up before 7th
close up, led 4 out, ran on strongly, eased towards finish
always behind, tailed off from 4th, pulled up before 6th
There is very little recent form for backers to go on, let along chasing form, here and what can only be a tentative vote goes to The Duke's Speech who is preferred to Echo Point and Albert Mooney. The selection has always looked a chaser in the making, has ground conditions to suit and, if fit enough for his return, Tom Tate's gelding could well be good enough to make a winning debut. The 2005 Triumph Hurdle third Akilak lost his way over hurdles last term but Howard Johnson's horses were badly out of form for most of last year so he may do better now and cannot be discounted over fences for the first time. Regal Heights showed progressive form over hurdles last term and it is interesting that Don McCain sends him over the larger obstacles after just seven starts over hurdles. Nicky Richards has his string in good form at present and his representative Echo Point has to be of interest after just three career starts, while Jonjo O'Neill's Albert Mooney showed plenty of ability in Ireland and has to be considered on his British debut. The Duke's Speech could be one to keep on the right side of this term though and he is marginally preferred.
Akilak (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders and keen, every chance approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 13th of 24, 18l behind Strangely Brown (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Apr.
Albert Mooney (IRE) 15-8 (11-6) Reluctant leader, joined 4 out, headed when slight mistake next, ridden weakened 2 out, 6th of 7, 9l behind Sweet Wake (11-2) at Naas 2m nov hdl sft in Jan.
Beamish Prince 12-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden and lost place halfway, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up at the 9th in race won by Kinburn (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 5f beg chs (E) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Echo Point (IRE) 6-4 (11-4) Led and took keen hold, ridden when headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Wanango (11-6) at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (A) gs.
Rajam 20-1 (11-0) Mid-division, struggling from 8th, 6th of 10, 21l behind Garde Champetre (11-0) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) gs in Oct.
Regal Heights (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Held up, driven along approaching 7th, soon weakened, 7th of 11, well behind Natal (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Apr.
The Duke's Speech (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next, 3rd of 16, 18l behind Straw Bear (11-3) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Apr.
Marzibits 66-1 (10-9) Chased leaders to 4th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Verstone (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nov hdl (4) gf in Aug, 11 ran.
Tidal Fury (IRE) (10-6) Made most to 2 out, weakened quickly, 8th of 11, 12l behind Lina Drop (10-1) at Auteuil 2m 3f hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Jun.
Maynooth Princess (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 4th, weakened halfway, 7th of 12, 37l behind Alina Rheinberg (10-10) at Hexham 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
