held up mid-division, pushed along after 5th, reminders after 9th, never dangerous
held up in touch, soon tracking leaders, joined leader after 9th, led 6 out, headed 2 out, every chance run in, held post
held up, went 2nd 5 out, led 2 out, hard ridden and under pressure flat, just held on
tracked leader, led 6th, headed 6 out, weakened approaching 4 out
held up mid-division, ridden after 5 out, soon weakened
always behind, struggling from 9th
led, headed 6th, behind and not fluent 8th, tailed off when blundered 2 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Last year's upset proves that anything can happen, even in Grade 1 chases, but once again with a clear round it is hard to envisage anything beong good enough to beat KAUTO STAR, one of the finest performers since Arkle, while Notre Pere and Madison Du Berlais should be taken very seriously in opposition. Paul Nicholls' great chaser is rated at least 17lbs clear of every other runner here, and he has proved himself around here with wins in this corresponding race in 2006 and 2007. He is proven in soft ground, although he has not yet raced on heavy, and unless conditions beat him he should have too much class if he jumps around this time. If there are to be any slip-ups for the star attraction, then Notre Pere is the most likely beneficiary. Jim Dreaper's gelding has jumping issues of his own to overcome after taking a fall at Down Royal last time, but he loves it hock deep and stays well beyond today's trip, so his stamina will be invaluable. Madison De Berlais enjoyed a great season last time, winning the Hennessy, the Totesport Bowl at Aintree, and lowering the colours of an admittedly off-colour Denman. Kauto Star was far too hot for him in the Gold Cup, but he will be better suited by this track and should go very well. Halcon Genelardais will love the mud and stays forever, but over this trip they tend to go a stride too quick for him and at best he might stay on into the frame. Contrary to Madison Du Berlais, Imperial Commander reserves his best effort for jumping's headquarters. He acts with plenty of cut, but will really have his stamina tested over this trip against such strong opposition. With the others looking short on class, a race to savour can see Kauto Star.
Halcon Genelardais (FR) 40-1 (11-10) Hit 7th, soon struggling in rear, behind when pulled up 13th, in a race won by Kauto Star (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gs in Mar, 16 ran.
Imperial Commander (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Slow 1st, mid-division, soon chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway to 3rd 5 out, 2nd before 3 out, ridden in 3rd and no extra entering straight, 4th and mistake 2 out, soon pulled up, in a race won by Notre Pere (11-10) at Punchestown 3m 1f Grade 1 chs sft in Apr, 12 ran.
Kauto Star (FR) 7-4fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, led after 3 out, soon clear, powered home, ridden out, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gs in Mar beating Denman (11-10) by 13l, 16 ran.
Madison Du Berlais (FR) 12-1 (11-10) Close up, led 3rd, challenged when left clear 2 out, kept on well, won at Aintree 3m 1f chs G2 (1) gd in Apr beating Exotic Dancer (11-10) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Notre Pere (FR) Evensfav (11-10) Close up, on terms before 5 out where fell, in a race won by The Listener (11-10) at Down Royal 3m Grade 1 chs sft, 8 ran.
Rambling Minster 8-1 (10-9) Towards rear, hampered 18th, pulled up before next, in a race won by Mon Mome (11-0) at Aintree 4m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Apr, 40 ran.
Seymour Weld 20-1 (11-9) In rear, mistake 11th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 17th, in a race won by Fire And Rain (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m 4f lstd hcp chs (1) gd in Jun, 17 ran.
Nozic (FR) 33-1 (11-7) Towards rear, never dangerous, 12th of 29, well behind Irish Raptor (10-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gd in Apr.
The Sawyer (BEL) 16-1 (11-6) Led 3rd, headed after 4 out, soon ridden, hampered, rider lost iron briefly and left 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 15, 23l behind Razor Royale (11-1) at Cheltenham 3m am hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs.
