held up last, went 3rd 8th, headway and challenged 14th, led after next, mistake 4 out, headed 3 out, led on bit approaching last, quicken clear flat, easily
pulled hard and chased leader, headway 4 out, led 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened flat
led, ridden and headed after 15th, weakened 2 out
pulled hard in touch, behind 8th, soon tailed off
A four runner race is in reality a match between Chicuelo and Jalpreuil Malta, with Even More and Johnny Grand facing an almighty task. Chicuelo had the world at his feet in the autumn, but ran a stinker in the Thomas Pink. He seemed better suited going right-handed in small fields judged on subsequent victories at Ascot and Huntingdon, but appeared to be outclassed in the Racing Post Chase. Put back over hurdles in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham, he gave a lifeless performance, so the big question is-would you put your life savings on him here. The answer has to be yes, as everything is in his favour again, with the ex-French Jalpreuil Malta surely having to much to do on his British debut, having won in soft ground at Pau in January.
