settled in third, not fluent next, left 2nd 10th, challenged 3 out, led soon after next, driven and kept on well flat
mistake 1st, led 2nd, joined 3 out, ridden and narrowly headed after next, rallied under pressure flat, always just held
always in rear, lost touch 12th, mistake next, tailed off when fell 3 out
raced in fourth and well off the pace, mistake 9th, lost touch 12th, tailed off
led to 2nd, tracked leader after, until pulled up quickly before 10th, lame
The last visit Lord Sam paid to Kempton Park confirmed that he was going to be no back number for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle last season and the son of Supreme Leader looks to have been found a good opportunity to boost his claims for the Chasing equivalent at this year's Festival with a clear round in today's contest. Of the rest: Fork Lightning had been progressing nicely until his mishap at Stratford last time, but assuming he stays on his feet here, is fancied to provide Victor Dartnell's charge with the most to do. Although Sheer Genius has been very patiently brought along and fared well enough on his debut over fences to suggest he can be found a race somewhere along the line. In contrast to Misty Pearl, who is thrown in at the deep end here and has plenty to find after a disappointing first try over fences at Newbury last month. However, reality has to have the last word and Lord Sam is impossible to oppose in this company so he is taken to record his eighth career win in what will be only his ninth ever start under rules.
