tracked leader, joined leader after 3rd, led 7th, ridden after 3 out, headed after 2 out, led again approaching last, kept on well flat
tracked leaders, chased winner after 3 out, ridden approaching next, weakened flat
held up in touch, went 3rd approaching 2 out, led after 2 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, one paced flat
led to 7th, chased leader, ridden after 3 out, weakened after next
held up in rear, hit 4th, detached from next, taile offd
Another disappointingly small turnout should principally concern the likes of Witch's Brew, Detonateur and Home James, and as the latter appears to be the most progressive among them, he gets the nod. Alan King's six-year-old has got better and better as the season has worn on, and indeed has had just the three starts so is fresher than most. He was an impressive bumper winner at Southwell and oozed class when opening his account over hurdles at Hereford in February. The son of Commanche Run is held in high regard by his trainer, and will be raring to go after his two month break. His victim at Hereford, Hirapour, is trained by Ian Williams who this time has a crack at him with Detonateur. This five-year-old was out of his depth in the Supreme Novices' at the Cheltenham Festival but will be expected to perform a lot better here. Witch's Brew is ridden by Russ Garritty who partnered the winner of this contest 12 months ago. Tim Easterby's gelding has been a consistent sort but might find the ground a bit too lively.
