soon tracking leaders, ridden, with clear leader after 9th, led approaching 4 out, hit 3 out, pushed clear after last, comfortable
in rear and mistakes, weakened 8th
mid-division, weakened 8th, behind when unseated rider 2 out
held up rear, ridden 7th, weakened 8th, well behind when bad mistake 3 out
mid-division when fell 1st
tracked leaders, led 6th, clear after 9th, ridden and headed approaching 4 out, beaten approaching last
led, mistake 3rd, headed when pecked 4th, weakened 8th, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leader, led 4th, blundered and lost place 8th, weakened 4 out
Tony McCoy may have missed out in the opener but he can gain his first win of the new season in this race on Poitiers, who probably has most to fear from Marked Man and Ryders Storm. The selection ran well when second to the decent Atum Re on his chasing debut and, with that experience under his belt, looks set to go well. Winning hurdler Marked man got off the mark over fences last time in a handicap from a mark of 104. That represents fair form and he can go well as we know he can jump. Ryders Storm has been beaten by some very useful novices over fences so far and his turn is not far away, while Whaleef, who was reasonable over hurdles, makes his chasing debut and might find that counting against him. Nicky Henderson is represented by Iambe de la See, who is sure to have been well schooled and this winning hurdler could also go well. Overall, though, for us it's Poitiers.
