chased leaders, not fluent 11th, outpaced 17th, weakened from 4 out
led, ridden after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, headed before mistake last, no impression flat
tracked leader, stumbled 1st, sometimes jumped a little big and slow, ridden approaching 3 out, led before last, stayed on well
chased leaders, not fluent 7th, lost touch with front pair from 17th
Present Man didn't manage a win over hurdles but made a promising start to his chase career when only beaten a neck by Call The Detective at Exeter. However, he might be up against a potentially-smart recruit in SUGAR BARON in what looks a virtual match. Nicky Henderson's gelding has only had the seven career starts and won over 3m over timber at Doncaster in March – he is rated 14lb higher than his likely market over the smaller obstacles. Thegreendalerocket and Bedrock Fred would probably need something to happen to the others to win.
Bedrock Fred 11-2 (10-4) Prominent, led after 3rd, headed before next, outpaced after 4 out, weakened before next, 5th of 7, 25 3/4l behind Fort Gabriel (10-7) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Present Man (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Led, pressed from 4 out, ridden and headed run-in, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 9, hd behind Call The Detective (10-10) at Exeter 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Sugar Baron (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd or 8th, outpaced after 3 out, well beaten when mistake next, 15th of 19, dist behind The Eaglehaslanded (10-6) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Thegreendalerocket (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, chased clear leader 3rd and clear of rest, closed briefly approaching 6th, pushed along and no impression before 3 out, lost 2nd approaching 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 14, 28l behind Cailleach Annie (11-2) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
