last and not travelling early, mistake 1st, pushed along after 6th, left 3rd next, disputing close 2nd next, disputing lead from 3 out, slightly hampered last, driven and stayed on to lead final yards100
sometimes jumped right, chased leading pair, left in lead 7th, disputing from 3 out, slight lead when went right last, ridden run-in, headed and no extra final 100 yards
led until 3 out, soon no extra in 3rd
tracked leader until fell 7th
Dan Skelton has a reputation for improving new charges but it would need a giant leap of faith to support Citadel after a near year-long absence, though he has had a wind operation. SPIRITOFCHARTWELL goes well fresh and has become something of a course specialist. Phillip York has won on him between the flags and takes off 5lb today. Tactical Manoeuvre has won twice over hurdles but his record over fences so far leaves much to be desired. Veteran Free World last won a race in 2013.
Spiritofchartwell 2-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, behind from next, struggling final circuit, left modest 3rd 4 out, plugged on to take 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 13l behind Norphin (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (5) hvy in Dec.
Tactical Manoeuvre (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, pushed along went 3rd and mistake 2 out, mistake last, 3rd of 9, 7 1/2l behind Minellatillmorning (11-6) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Free World (FR) 12-1 (10-0) Led 1st, headed before 11th, hit next, soon lost place, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up after next, at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Citadel (FR) 20-1 (10-0) Led to 6 out, weakened before 5 out, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp (5) gf in Mar.
