held up, in touch, steady headway from 12th, chased winner 2 out, kept on well for clear 2nd, but no impression winner
towards rear, hit 10th, soon well behind, tailed off 4 out
behind, blundered 3rd, well behind and struggling when jumped right 4 out
not jump well, mistakes 1st and 2nd, held up, just in touch after 11th, beaten when blundered 3 out
led to 5th, stayed chasing winner to 11th, weakened and behind from next, beaten when hampered 3 out
chased leaders, chased winner 11th to 2 out, soon outpaced by leading pair
in touch, jumped slow 7th, lost touch 11th, tailed off 4 out
mistake 1st, close up, led 5th, in command from 2 out, ridden clear running, stayed on well
Sir Toby is the selection here with Wagner and Hiers De Brouage the others for the shortlist. Sir Toby ran well behind Rufius at Huntingdon last month when he travelled well in behind the leaders before hitting a fence hard which knocked the stuffing out of him. He clearly wasn't at peak fitness that day, and with the benefit of that run he is the clear pick here. Hiers De Brouage looks the main danger as he won well at Exeter last time, but he is passed over here as he may need this run after a long absence from the track. Wagner is another that has plenty of ability, but he is better over hurdles and has yet to translate that form over the bigger obstacles. Of the rest, Saragann could be interesting if he can step up in his latest effort because he would have definite chances here on his best form, but in an open race, we will make Sir Toby the tentative choice.
