tracked leaders, 3rd at 13th, pushed along into 2nd before 2 out, ridden and held last, lost 2nd run-in, kept on same pace in 3rd
tracked leaders, went 2nd 11th until pushed along before 2 out, rallied under pressure last, 2nd again run-in, strong challenge near finish, just held
made all, hit 6th, ridden before 2 out, held on, all out
last pair, pushed along after 10th, never on terms and no chance after
took keen hold, held up in last pair, ridden before 2 out, plugged on but no impression from last
tracked leaders until lost place and dropped to last at 8th, pulled up before 10th
tracked winner until not fluent 11th, chased leading pair until 13th, chased leading trio, pushed along and outpaced before 2 out, kept on again run-in, not quite pace to get involved
Kylemore Lough was one of the most improved chasers around last term and his chance will be enhanced by further deterioration in conditions. Not seen since scoring in Ireland in late March, he must be kept on side but faces some really classy types here, including the 1-2-3 in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month. Third Intention looked an improved performer when scoring that day but is so much worse off at the weights now with GOD'S OWN, that the George inmate must be the choice. A triple Grade 1 winner, he is one that will be best suited by the rains staying away and confidence in his chance would diminish should conditions worsen significantly. Vibrato Valtat and Dodging Bullets comprise a strong challenge from Paul Nicholls, although the jury does remain out over the latter at this trip.
God's Own (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway 12th, badly hampered and lost momentum 3 out, rallied and went 3rd last, stayed on well, took 2nd flat, unable to reach winner, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Third Intention (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gd in Oct.
Kylemore Lough 7-4 (11-10) Soon tracked leaders in 3rd, on terms briefly 12th, back on terms 2 out, led and stayed on best from early run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Yielding in Mar beating Outlander (11-10) by 1l, 6 ran.
Royal Regatta (IRE) 13-2 (10-7) With leader, led before 3rd, headed after 8th, led again before 10th, jumped right and mistake 3 out, soon headed, weakened before last, 5th of 7, 8l behind Third Intention (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gd in Oct.
Third Intention (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Mid-division, mistake and lost place 3rd, headway 12th, challenged 2 out, led before last, driven out, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gd in Oct beating God's Own (11-9) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Vibrato Valtat (FR) 9-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, not fluent 12th, led after 3 out, headed before last, no impression on winner and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Third Intention (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gd in Oct.
Dodging Bullets 5-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 4 out, jumped left and held in 3rd 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 8, 11 1/4l behind Sir Valentino (10-8) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (1) gd in Nov.
Eduard (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, ridden and effort on outside approaching 2 out, just 3rd when hit last, no impression flat, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 11l behind Uxizandre (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gd in Mar.
