tracked leader, led 8th, clear from 2 out, not fluent last, driven out flat
led to 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, not pace of winner
close up when slipped badly landing 5th, not recover
in rear, struggling from 6th, tailed off
not fluent, jumped left 3rd, close up when badly hampered and unseated rider 5th
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
A fascinating renewal of this prestigious prize with the country's three leading two-mile chasers in action. Flagship Uberalles bids to land the prize for the third time having scored convincing victories in 1999 and 2001 and confirmed last term that he retains all of his ability with a striking performance to lift the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March. The eight-year-old goes well fresh so lack of a recent outing is not a concern and is reported to be in fine shape by his astute handler so earns the TEAMtalk vote. Edredon Bleu bounced back to form when an impressive 10-length winner of the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter last month but is held by the selection on Festival form and also finished behind when the pair clashed over course and distance in April. Cenkos took the latter event at the expense of the selection who looked past his best on this particular occasion so may have been flattered by the form and a bigger danger will be Moscow Flyer. Jessica Harrington's Arkle hero possesses a fine turn of foot and has won all six of his completed starts over fences including a recent pipeopener at Down Royal last month so has to be feared in a cracking event.
