chased winner and jumped left throughout, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, no impression
made all, ridden clear approaching last, easily
held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression from next
chased leaders, in 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 3rd
always behind, weakened from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
held up behind, blundered 6th, weakened 5 out, fell 3 out
held up in touch, blundered 2 out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression
A good line-up for the big race of the day and one in which Vodka Bleu gets the call over Le Duc and Take The Stand. Vodka Bleu is a strong representative from the Martin Pipe stable. He comes into this race rated an improving and talented novice and he was only just touched off by Monkerhostin last time when looking for a straight hat-trick of wins. Today represents step up in grade for this novice and it will be interesting to see how he fares, but we think he'll cope with it ok. Bold Investor looked very promising as a novice two years ago but has an absence to overcome, while Europa has lost his way since winning in March 2003 from a three-pound lower mark than today. Atum Re also looked promising as a novice last season so it will be interesting to see how he fares, while Le Duc returns to the scene of his finest victory - in a Grade 2 hurdle - and he has also since finished third in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at Aintree. He too must be respected along with Farmer Jack, who was fourth in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2003 but, while not quite living up to his billing, certainly possesses plenty of ability. It is amazing to think that Take The Stand finished fourth in the Welsh National last season and, having proven himself a stayer, this trip might be a little short for him. That said, he is another runner from Peter Bowen's stable who has just kept on improving. In summary though, once again the vote goes to Vodka Bleu.
