tracked leaders until slipped badly and unseated rider 5th, remounted and pulled up before next
led until 3rd, chased winner, ridden after 2 out, no extra flat
tracked leaders, led approaching 3rd, kept on well readily
Westender should tear his opposition apart here with no other horse in the race anywhere near his class over the smaller obstacles and if he stands up he wins. Everyone knows Westender has ability and his second to Rooster Booster in last years Champion Hurdle is still the highlight of his career. Believe it or not his last win came in November 2001 at Cheltenham with the likes of Rooster Booster behind him that day.Even if he does not take to fences he should have no problem getting away with it here. The question remains what can finish second to him? Saspys Lad is rated 120 over hurdles is fit from the flat and if taking to fences can battle for second. If you go back a couple of years you could give Ryders Storm a chance of that position but on the evidence of his chasing career so far he may struggle. Bonnie Flora looks a more likely type having unfairly going up 21lbs after her Exeter win on her penultimate start and struggled to cope with that penalty on her latest run. She could go well on her chase debut. But in reality Westender should win and Saspys Lad should finish second.
