close up, ridden approaching 2 out, mistake when every chance last, not quickened flat
made all, ridden and joined last, ridden out
tracked leaders, chased winner from 10th, ridden after 2 out, weakened last
Royal Emperor looks to have been found an easy task and should win this before going on to Cheltenham. The selection from the Sue Smith yard was a much better hurdler than all his rivals and showed that he was getting the hang of the larger obstacles when defeating Native Emperor last time. With conditions again in his favour he is hard to oppose. Kidithou is from a yard in form and has been in fair form over hurdles of late. He has reportedly schooled well at home and if anything were to happen to the favourite he would be the one to benefit. Native Legend is another with place claims but he took a heavy fall last time so cannot be backed with any confidence. Of the remainder, Westmoreland has been in fair form in point-to-points of late and could go well at a price, but Royal Emperor is the one they all have to beat.
