led until joined 2 out, every chance last, no extra towards flat
started slowly in rear, headway 7th, disputed lead before 2 out, mistake last, weakened quickly
prominent, tracked leader 10th, mistake 15th and 16th, hit 3 out and weakened before 2 out
behind, chased leaders when mistake 6 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
behind, mistake 15th, lost touch next and beaten
prominent, mistakes 14th and 15th, hit and lost touch 16th, pulled up before 3 out
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, disputed lead, going well 2 out, led after last, driven out
tracked leader, blundered 14th and 15th, soon lost place, no chance but stayed on to take 3rd after last
Disappointingly Kingscliff does not put his unbeaten record on the line but the horse that finished second to him over course and distance last month, Hours, does and he is taken to go one better here with Impek and Behrajan rated the main dangers. The last mentioned can race off the same mark as when winning this 12 months ago but Henry Daly's gelding comes here without a prep race this year and that may prove to be his undoing. The second season chaser Impek showed improved form for the step up to three miles at Sandown on his reappearance and has to be respected but faces no easy task under 11st 11lb. The Paul Nicholls-trained Ad Hoc is more than capable of taking a hand but gave little sign of encouragement on his return and is probably best watched at present. Colin Tizzard has his string in good form at present but it will be a surprise if Dear Deal is good enough to win this. Martin Pipe is responsible for the other four runners and with Royal Predica, Tresor De Mai and Iznogoud having little to recommend them, the vote goes to Hours. Progressive in the early part of last season, the former hunter chaser has slipped back to an attractive mark now and looks well enough treated, and in good enough form now if judged by his reappearance second to the impressive Kingscliff (Exit To Wave third), to be given another chance today.
