tracked leader, led after 5 out, clear approaching last, kept on well
tracked leaders, hit 4th, ridden to chase winner from 3 out, no impression
led, jumped right 5 out, soon headed, in 3rd, beat when blundered, unseated rider 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 5 out, soon weakened
in rear, soon pushed along, left 3rd 3 out, never dangerous
Oneway gets the call here ahead of Mister McGoldrick and Fundamentalist. Last year's Queen Mother Chase fourth progressed throughout last season and could have better to come. Based on his Tingle Creek third last time, that could well be the case and he can go well. Last season's Castleford Chase winner, Mister McGoldrick, would have a chance on that form, while Fundamentalist looked a classy novice last season before his campaign was curtailed by injury. Finally, Albuhera is a classy hurdler but he might lack the chasing experience of some today, and El Vaquero needs to find a few pounds to feature. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Oneway.
Mister McGoldrick 12-1 (11-12) Held up, with leaders 5 out, ridden next, no impression, 4th of 12, 24l behind Direct Access (10-0) at Newcastle 3m lst hcp chs (A) sft in Nov.
Albuhera (IRE) 3-1 (11-8) Prominent, mistake 3 out, switched left approaching 2 out, led briefly approaching last, ran on flat, 3rd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Exotic Dancer (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (B) gs.
El Vaquero (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Held up, mistake 11th, headway to chase leading pair 4 out, chased winner and mistake last, no impression, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Lacdoudal (11-4) at Sandown 3m chs (B) sft.
Fundamentalist (IRE) 4-7fav (11-11) Tracked leader, led and hit 6th, not fluent and headed 7th, 2nd when mistake and unseated rider at the 10th in race won by My Will (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Jan, 5 ran.
Oneway (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Held up in last but in touch, headway to chase leading pair 4 out, one pace under pressure from next, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Kauto Star (11-7) at Sandown 2m chs Grd 1 (A) sft.
