hld up, hdw 7th, rdn appr 3 out, dspg 2nd wh hit next, wknd flat
hld up towards rr, hdw 4 out, rdn appr next, wknd appr last
bh, rdn appr 3 out, k on flat, nv dang
led, hdd 4 out, rdn and wknd appr 2 out
m.d, hdw 6th, led 4 out, rdn and hdd appr 2 out, k on, no ch w wnr
w ldr, hit 6th, rdn appr 3 out, led appr next, j.r last, drew clr flat, eased cl home
A trappy contest in which none of the runners can be left out of the equation. Black Bullet bounced back to form last time and even though 6lb higher here, he is still well treated. The only reservation about him is that he does need plenty of give underfoot to bring out the best in him. Tonoco has failed to complete on his last four outings, but if he could reproduce his effort behind the enigmatic Cadougold, he would be in with a shout. Welsh March, who won this event back in 2000, goes well here, while Gus Des Bois, who has yet to complete in this country, will be happier over this trip after appearing not to stay last time. Carrick Troop looks to be high enough in the weights for the time being, but improvement can be expected from Clan Royal, who was having his first outing at Hereford for Jonjo O'Neill, since coming over from Ireland. A chance is taken with the far from straightforward Monarch's Pursuit, who needs producing as late as possible. This looks like being a soundly run event which will suit the selction and he is given the TEAMtalk vote.
