held up in touch, headway 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, led approaching last, ran greenly, headed flat, led post
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
keen hold, soon tracking leaders, led 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, one pace
always behind, not jump well
held up towards rear, good headway to challenge leaders 3 out, challenged leader last, soon led, all out when headed post
led 1st, soon headed, weakened from 3 out
always behind, lost touch 4th
led 2nd, headed soon after 4th and weakened
in touch, ridden and lost place after 2nd, well behind from 4th, unseated rider last
behind from halfway
Bourbon Manhattan can give Alan King another winner over timber, with newcomer Robbie On Tour and Accipiter others to consider, for a place at least. Bourbon Manhattan was not fully tuned when returning to the fray with a win at Aintree 12 days ago, and should be well up to defying a penalty here. Touted last season as the stable's best bumper horse, it was no surprise to see him run well at the Cheltenham Festival where he was sixth to Liberman. Granted, his task at Aintree was simplified when Trabolgan fell, but who is to say that he would not have won anyway. He is an exciting recruit to timber and is one to follow. Robbie On Tour is unexposed but the fact that he is owned by David Johnson makes him interesting. We know a bit more about Accipiter as he gained due reward for some honest efforts in a Newton Abbot bumper recently. Nothing here can match Bourbon Manhattan's achievements though, and it will take something special to lower his colours.
