led to 4th, tracked winner after, no danger to winner after 3 out
jumped well, tracked leader, led 4th, clear 7th, made remainder easily
held up 3rd, lost touch after 8th, soon tailed off
held up last in touch, went 3rd 5th, blundered 8th, never dangerous after, tailed off
Gold Medallist, who was a useful stayer on the flat for David Elsworth, was a good winner on his hurdling debut at Exeter and should have too much class for his rivals in a race where Hot Weld and Peddars Way are rated the main dangers. Ferdy Murphy's Hot Weld has won his last two starts and is going the right way but faces no easy task giving weight away all round. Our Jolly Swagman has struggled over fences this term and reverts to hurdles for the first time in the best part of four years. He is difficult to recommend and a bigger threat may come from Alan King's Peddars Way, who has shown plenty of promise in bumpers and over hurdles. Eagle's Landing has given little sign of encouragement so far and it will be a surprise if Gold Medallist is not good enough to win this.
