held up in touch, chased leading pair from 13th, ridden and beaten after 3 out
led, narrowly headed after 4 out, every chance until no extra approaching last, weakened flat
tracked leaders, led and narrow advantage after 4 out, ridden approaching last, drew clear flat
tracked leaders, mistakes 8th, 9th and 10th, lost place, beaten when slightly hampered 12th
in rear, lost touch from 9th
settled behind leaders, close 4th and ridden when blundered and fell 12th
A cracking contest to start the day with Montreal attempting to atone for his early exit at Ayr, while a similar story can be told about Avalanche, who departed at the first at Aintree, and Iris Royal, looks to have plenty to prove after failing to complete on his last two outings. However, one who comes into this in top form is Cameron Bridge, who gets the vote. Phillip Hobbs' seven-year-old has his optimum conditions and this sound jumper, who is getting plenty of weight off his main rivals, can prove too strong. Avalanche had a progressive profile over fences before his mishap at Aintree and if back to the form that saw him finish second to Mr Bossman at Kempton back in February, he must go well. Montreal, the winner of a match at Haydock, looks to have plenty to do giving weight away all round, while the best of the rest should be Il Capitano, who hails from a stable in-form, and has won four of his seven outings over fences.
