made all, hit 1st, not fluent after, ridden and left clear 2 out, easily
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, left 2nd 4 out, held when blundered 2 out
chased leaders, ridden along in 3rd when fell 5 out
held up, hit 2nd, mistake 5th, blundered and unseated rider 6 out
chased leader, hampered 13th, ridden and one lengths down and every chance when fell 4 out
held up, hit 4th, pushed along after 12th, weakening when badly hampered and unseated rider 4 out, remounted to finish 3rd
Last season was a non-starter for Gunther McBride but he has returned with a vengeance and gets a confident vote to carry top weight past the likes of Rosie Redman and Smiths Landing, who are very much respected but lack the resolution held by the selection when he is on song. Phillip Hobbs, who kick-started Cheltenham's two-day meeting with a game winner yesterday, can continue in the same vein with the selection today and another bold bid is anticipated. Gunther McBride can be a formidable opponent when he is allowed to set his own pace and despite Richard Johnson being elsewhere this afternoon, the nine-year-old will grant today's rider a thrilling passage if all goes to plan. Rosie Redman is in good form right now but has not faced the caliber of opposition like the top weight and looks to have a fair bit more to find. Smiths Landing also has something to prove at this level and may find himself playing for place money, while Lord Of The River will do very well to reverse the Hennessey form with our hope and he appears to need a little luck on his side. Personal Assurance looks to be one to be very wary of after his last start, so with all things considered, this looks a good opportunity for Gunther McBride to continue he revival.
