led, ridden and headed 3 out, rallied and ran on from last, not reach winner
held up last, headway 16th, challenged 4 out, ridden to lead 3 out, driven out from last
chased leader, blundered 11th, mistake 13th, ridden 4 out and soon weakened, pulled up quickly approaching 3 out
Just four go to post and of the quartet only Ballet-K can be ruled out, with Highcroft Boy, Uncle Mick and Comanche War Paint all holding claims. Of the trio we prefer Highcroft Boy who has shaped well so far. A winner here on his hurdles debut, the eight-year-old ran second to Desmond Tutu on a return visit last time. However, it was his chase debut at Worcester sandwiched in between that leads us to believe that Philip Hobbs' charge will open his account over the bigger obstacles. He was beaten into second place by Gottabe but threw away his chance by continually jumping to the right. The move back to a clockwise direction should put matters right, and he should make the most of the weight he receives from from Uncle Mick. Comanche War Paint's hurdles form does not look as good as the selection but he is sure to have been well schooled since falling on his sole attempt over fences at Taunton.
