tracked leader, not fluent 1st or 12th, ridden and lost 2nd after 3 out, one pace approaching last
led, ridden before 3 out, pressed last, stayed on, headed towards finish
tracked leaders, not fluent 12th, went 2nd after 3 out, challenged last, led towards finish, ridden out
tracked leaders, not fluent 7th or 11th, mistake 3 out, beaten next
There wasn't a great deal to choose between SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR and Yesyoucan over hurdles but conditions today will probably suit Jonjo O'Neill's gelding more. He won three times over timber last year and was fourth in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham so is expected to make his mark over fences. Yesyoucan is also worth following over the coming months while Beeves has already won over the larger obstacles at Carlisle, though has 5lb extra to carry here. Bar De Ligne was due to run yesterday at Fakenham.
Bar De Ligne (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Made all, ridden clear 3 out, ran on, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Jun beating Grandads Horse (11-5) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Beeves (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Made all, hard ridden after 2 out, stayed on well under pressure, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd beating Superior Quality (11-4) by 4l, 7 ran.
Shutthefrontdoor (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Held up mid-division, headway on outside 3 out, driven to chase leaders next, ridden before last, kept on same pace under pressure flat, 4th of 24, 3 1/2l behind Holywell (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m lstd hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
Yesyoucan (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 2nd until 6th, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 46l behind At Fishers Cross (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Apr.