held up, steady headway 5f out, led on bit over 3f out, soon clear, easily
tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, soon one paced
mid-division and keen, pulled through to track leaders halfway, weakened 4f out
keen in touch, ridden 6f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, ridden and stayed on from 3f out, no chance with winner
towards rear, some headway 8f out, soon one paced
mid-division until ridden and weakened over 5f out
held up in touch, ridden 6f out, weakened 4f out
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 6f out, chased winner over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden 6f out, weakened quickly 3f out
led until ridden and headed over 3f out, weakening when hung right over 2f out
always towards rear
in touch, headway 8f out, ridden and weakened quickly 4f out, tailed off
rear, ridden and headway 6f out, stayed on moderately from 3f out
held up in touch, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden and chased leaders 3f out, soon one paced
Another big field assemble for the finale, but Alpine Fox cannot be opposed, with the scramble for the other two places likely to concern Charlie and Countess Kiri. Alpine Fox is already a course specialist as he is yet to race elsewhere. A promising debut second under Richard Johnson was followed by a splendid win here 11 days ago with Tony McCoy in the plate. The champion is on board again as the six-year-old bids to defy a penalty before being sent over hurdles. With the Tom George stable still in terrific form, Alpine Fox should follow up comfortably, albeit at a short price. Charlie's stable is also in good heart at present, and he looked a stayer in the making when fourth at Kelso on his racecourse bow. He can be fancied for the frame along with Countess Kiri, another who is going the right way and who will be helped by his rider's allowance.
