prominent, not fluent 4 out, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
led, pushed along and not fluent 4 out, soon headed, no chance with winner from next
always going well, tracked leader, not fluent 5th, challenged 4 out, soon led, came clear approaching 2 out, very easily
behind, tailed off from 6th
soon well behind, blundered 2nd, tailed off from 4th
in touch, not fluent 9th, pushed along and outpaced approaching 4 out, went 3rd last
Paul Nicholls looks to hold the key to the outcome of this contest saddling a trio of top two milers including Kadarann and Armaturk but they are likely to be battling out minor honours behind stablemate Azertyuiop, who should be too good for his rivals. The selection has yet to open his account this season but remains the biggest threat to Moscow Flyer in the Queen Mother Champion Chase if judged by his second to Jessica Harrington's stable star in the Tingle Creek and his most recent narrow defeat to Isio (received 19lbs) in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot. A reproduction of either of those efforts should suffice for the seven-year-old. Castleford Chase winner Kadarann looks the best bet to follow the selection home with stablemate Armaturk, a good winner at Doncaster two weeks ago preferred for third place prize-money to Wahiba Sands who, although still retaining ability, has not won for a long time and is likely to find one or two too good for him again. Blazing Batman and The Major make no appeal at all in a race that should go to Azertyuiop.
