prominent, jumped left throughout, led 2nd, headed when mistake and hampered by loose horse 4 out, weakening when blundered last
led until 2nd, blundered and unseated rider next
tracked leaders, left in 2nd 3rd, mistake 7th, led 4 out, drew clear after next, very easily
PRECIOUS CARGO’s only defeat over hurdles came in a Grade 1 at Aintree in the spring. He could make up into a smart novice chaser but faces no easy task against two rivals with more experience. Coole Well wasn’t beaten far by Simply The Betts at Newcastle, though was flattered by his proximity. Moonlighter was a fair second in a handicap at Wincanton last time, though still needs to brush up his jumping.
Coole Well (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Led, soon clear, challenged 3 out, headed approaching and mistake last, no extra, 2nd of 3, 3 3/4l behind Simply The Betts (11-9) at Newcastle 2m hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Moonlighter 5-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, blundered badly and well recovered 4th, 2nd after 3 out, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Baddesley Knight (11-6) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Precious Cargo (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, took keen hold early stages, effort 3 out, awkward and beaten 2 out, weakened before last, 6th of 7, 14 1/4l behind Felix Desjy (11-4) at Aintree 2m (1) sft in Apr.
