always prominent, ridden after 2 out, led, left in command last, stayed on
held up in last, shaken up after 3 out, ridden from 2 out, no impression when slightly hampered, left 3rd last
led until approaching 3rd, pressed leader, ridden, disputing close 2nd when blundered badly, unseated rider last, remouted
chased leaders, ridden after 2 out, progress to dispute close 2nd when left 2nd, jumped left, stumbled on landing last, no impression on winner
A poor turnout but Manhattan Boy's connections will not be complaining and he is put forward to take this with Le Corvee, who is an interesting contender, selected to chase him home. Just the three outings to date over fences, Manhatton Boy stepped up considerably on what he had shown on his two previous outings to finish a respectable second behind the improved mare Theatre Diva last time. The tongue strap appeared to work the oracle in that event as he has been weakening alarmingly prior to the connections opting for the trial, indicating that breathing may have been an issue. Le Corvee has some good hurdles form in the book and will relish the quicker under foot conditions. He is a two time course winner and back over the 2m trip is a big danger to the selection. Daryal was the best of these over hurdles and it will be interesting to see how he jumps with blinkers reapplied. He has been beaten by an aggregate of 105l on his last three outings so bearing that in mind he is best watched. Only the five going to post but not alot to choose on issued ratings and Manhatton Boy appeals as the most likely winner.
Sternenzelt (GER) 16-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 7th, not fluent next, pushed along after 9th, weakened 12th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Jolejoker (11-0) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
