led until after 1st, chased winner, challenged 14th until ridden after 3 out, held from next
led after 1st, ridden after 3 out, clear next, driven out
tracked leaders, outpaced from 4 out, well held before 2 out
EXITAS has obvious claims given he won a tougher chase than this at Aintree last month with the re-opposing Beat That some 11 lengths back in second. The latter may finish closer on today’s better terms but will need a more fluent round of jumping and Phil Middleton’s charge can confirm superiority. Le Reve was a smart chaser in his day but has struggled since winning at Sandown back in 2016.
Exitas (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd and poised to challenge on inside after 4 out, led going well before next, clear 2 out, kept on, comfortably, won at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) gd in Oct beating Beat That (11-6) by 11l, 8 ran.
Beat That (IRE) 2-1fav (11-6) Mid-division, not fluent 12th, soon pushed along, rallied into 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Exitas (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Le Reve (IRE) 33-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders to 14th, soon behind, tailed off 4 out, pulled up next, at Sandown 3m 5f hcp (1) gd in Apr.
