made all, kept on well from last
tracked leaders, chased winner approaching 3 out, kept on from last
tracked leaders, hit 6th, blundered 10th, weakened from next
tracked winner until 5 out, ridden approaching next, one pace when hit last
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, soon outpaced
held up in touch, blundered 12th, weakened between last 2
held up, hit 8th, chased leaders approaching 10th, jumped left 3 out, soon weakened
always behind
TARTAK can put down a marker this term at the expense of Monet's Garden and Tidal Bay. Tom George's inmate toyed with Deep Purple at the National meeting in April and with the trainer mapping out big options later in the year; he needs to be winning races of this nature to be taking a hand in the reckoning for the Graded events. Trip, track and going are all positives. Monet's Garden has gone well fresh in the past and has a solid record around Aintree. Last season was blighted by injury and it was no surprise to see him well beaten in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. Tidal Bay finished ahead of him on that occasion. He too has had infirmities off the track to deal with and despite a rather curious jumping technique, he appeals on the basis that he has won first time out previously. Knowhere is a credit to his connections but this will need him to produce a career best in order to win this prize again. Don't Push It won the John Smith's race at the course in April and in a big race, Tony McCoy will invariably be popular with the betting shop punters. Kicks For Free has had plenty of excuses made for him and having taken a novice prize in some style at Aintree last season; he flattered to deceive throughout the rest of the campaign. A good renewal but Tartak is most open to improvement and he is accordingly selected.
Monet's Garden (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Held up, headway 11th, hit 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 9, 15l behind Imperial Commander (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f Grade 1 chs (1) gs in Mar.
Tidal Bay (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) In touch, tracked leaders 5th, pushed along approaching 11th, soon struggling, 5th of 10, 22l behind Voy Por Ustedes (11-10) at Aintree 2m 4f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Apr.
Tartak (FR) 11-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4 out, led next, clear approaching last, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Apr beating Deep Purple (11-4) by 7l, 8 ran.
Knowhere (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 25th, in a race won by Mon Mome (11-0) at Aintree 4m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Apr, 40 ran.
Don't Push It (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Held up, headway 12th, mistake 4 out, went 2nd approaching 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on well, won at Aintree 3m 1f hcp chs (2) gs in Apr beating Leading Contender (10-0) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Kicks For Free (IRE) 1-4fav (11-3) Tracked leading pair, stumbled on bend after 10th, ridden and every chance after 3 out, held from next, last of 3, 18l behind Mount Sandel (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (2) gd in Feb.
Finger Onthe Pulse (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 12th (Canal Turn), hampered 13th (Valentines), never dangerous after, 11th of 29, well behind Irish Raptor (10-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gd in Apr.
Three Mirrors 8-1 (11-7) Held up in last, took keen hold and carried head very low until 3rd, not fluent 13th (water), went 5th approaching 4 out, no chance from 3 out, 4th of 6, 38l behind Nelson's Spice (10-8) at Cheltenham 3m hcp ch 0-150 (2) gf.
