held up, took closer order 8th, close up 3 out, blundered badly next, soon beaten
tracked leaders, effort 4 out, close up next, ridden approaching last, kept on gamely flat, just failed
close up, led 3rd, ridden from last, kept on gamely flat
led, headed 3 out, stayed prominent, ridden and every chance approaching last, weakened flat
Disappointingly just the four runners have been declared for this novices' chase but it is still relatively competitive with Love That Benny marginally preferred to Ma Yahab and Truckers Lady. The last mentioned is the lowest rated of the quartet but Keith Reveley's mare does receive weight all round and she has to be respected on the pick of her form. Former point-to-point winner Gypsy George has shown progressive form under rules and cannot be discounted under a trip that suits. Ma Yahab ran as well as could have been expected when sixth in the Kim Muir last month and with Venetia Williams' string continuing in good form, he has to be considered. The vote though goes to Love That Benny who is better than he showed when last seen here in December and the break since that run may have freshened him up.
Love That Benny (USA) 10-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, mistake 12th, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, last of 4, well behind Nudge And Nurdle (11-1) at Kelso 2m 6f nov chs (2) gs in Dec.
Ma Yahab 10-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 24, 30l behind High Chimes (10-10) at Cheltenham 3m 1f amt hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar.
Gypsy George 10-1 (10-13) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, effort when hit next, ridden and kept on from 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Star Player (10-12) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Mar.
Truckers Lady (IRE) 9-1 (10-4) In touch, reminders after 3rd, headway 12th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 15, 30l behind Strawberry (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f mrs hcp chs (1) sft in Mar.
