tracked leader, pecked 1st, led approaching 3 out, drew clear from last, easily
held up, chased leaders approaching 8th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression from last
led, headed briefly approaching 8th, headed approaching 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching next
tracked leaders, led briefly approaching 8th, ridden approaching last, one pace and no impression
held up, reminders after 4 out, weakened next
Black Frost can defy an absence to beat Christopher, with last year's winner Iverain worth a mention. Sue and Harvey Smith always have their inmates ready to perform well, even when they are on the comeback trail, so we can expect Black Frost to go close. He has appeared here on numerous occasions, and having opened his account over timber on the track in January 2003, went on to record two course and distance successes last term. He may have just had enough for the season when unseating his rider in the amateurs' race at Aintree on Grand National day and has been given a rest since. A fresh horse now, he makes most appeal. Christopher showed plenty of grit when opening his account over fences at Exeter in January and ran well under a penalty behind Sir Talbot at Leicester a month later. Another that has been off since, he too can pay to follow over fences. Iverain was highly tried over hurdles when with Paul Nicholls, and looked the part for current connections when taking this race last year. Tailed off here behind Jungle Jinks on his first outing this year, he may need another run or two to put him straight, but should not be ruled out. Historg is very much on the comeback trail and should be watched, and Black Frost is taken to make light of his welter burden.
