not jumped well, chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, went 2nd 2 out until last, one pace
held up and behind, mistake 2nd, remote 4th when jumped right 2 out, jumped right last, kept on to go 2nd near finish
disputed lead 3rd until 6th, mistake 9th, behind from 11th, tailed off
jumped left, held up, lost touch 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
prominent, chased winner 8th until 2 out, regained 2nd last until near finish
held up, behind from 8th
made virtually all, drew clear after 3 out easily
Much as she has yet to race over fences, Researcher was by far the best of these over hurdles and, sure to have been well schooled by his in-form trainer, looks to hold good prospects in this run-of-the-mill beginners' chase. Another Conquest showed some promise in a light hurdling campaign but was pulled up on her chasing debut, while Panhandle displayed a modicum of hurdling promise before her attention was turned to pointing, in which sphere she has won. Prayerful's second to L'Orphelin on her second run over fences last time rates as reasonable form in the context of this contest. She might give the selection most to do, although Rakassa proved good enough to win from a mark of 105 over hurdles in February. Overall, though, it is hard to get away from Researcher, who gets our vote.
