chased leader, ridden and every chance 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd and beaten when blundered last
in touch until weakened 4 out, tailed off
always in rear
chased leaders to 4th, soon behind, tailed off
not always fluent, held up, headway into mid-division 4th, outpaced when hit 3 out
chased leaders to 4th, soon behind, tailed off
led until blundered badly and headed 4 out, not recover, kept on same pace after
in touch, steady headway and pushed along from 4 out, soon chased leaders, stayed on under pressure to lead final 75 yards
blundered 1st, in rear, jumped right 3rd and next, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
behind most of way, tailed off
in rear, jumped slow 2nd, tailed off 4th, pulled up before 4 out
took keen hold in touch until weakened after 4 out
held up towards rear, kept on under pressure from 3 out, never dangerous
held up in mid-division, steady headway from 3rd, chased leaders 4 out, every chance 2 out, one pace and beaten before last
close up until weakened approaching 4 out
always in rear, mistake 3rd, tailed off from next
behind most of way, tailed off
held up in rear, stayed on from 3 out, never going pace to reach leaders
chased leaders, led narrowly 4 out, hard ridden from 2 out, kept on well until not quicken and headed final 75 yards
A tough race to open the card and plenty of space should be put aside when compiling a shortlist once the betting begins in earnest. Once Seen, Watchful Witness and Lord Of Beauty are all worth bearing in mind if they are supported, but slender preference from those to have run over hurdles goes to Fontenasi, who made a successful start to his career with Martin Pipe when pushed out to score at Taunton last month. The son of Saddler's Wells, a former inmate of Aidan O'Brien's, possesses a good cruising speed and is obviously held in high regard judging by his Cheltenham Festival entries. However, he is also open to acres of improvement now that he has proved himself in this sphere and looks a solid proposition to get things off to a flyer today. The Pipe team have maintained a fair strike-rate over the last few weeks and a bold bid is sure to be anticipated from Fontenasi this afternoon. Once Seen could also be bound for the Festival if he fares well today but he may find the selection too precocious to deal with today.
