held up, ridden approaching 4 out, chased winner 2 out, 8 lengths down when blundered last, one pace
tracked leaders and not fluent throughout, blundered 5 out, pulled up after
tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, hit 6th, weakened approaching 4 out
made all, clear 4 out, east flat
tracked winner, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened next
Greenhope can take a trappy novices chase with Locksmith looking to be best of the rest. Nicky Henderson's chasers have started to finally come to hand just as the season reaches a close and the Grand Annual sixth, who actually looked like he might win the race at the top of the Cheltenham hill, should take all the beating on all known racecourse form. A decent hurdler on his day, he should have enough pace to keep tabs on Locksmith. Martin Pipe's charge is blessed with bags of pace and looks sure to set the early fractions. His jumping has not been altogether foot perfect and this is a return after a spill at Wincanton seven weeks ago. If Martin Pipe has restored his confidence, he could be the one to trouble the selection. On a strict interpretation of the form book, Stormy Lord holds Through The Rye. The former's previous run at Cheltenham should be ignored as he never travelled or jumped at any stage in the contest. Through The Rye was a little disappointing at Sandown but will be suited by the likely early pace of Locksmith. Ebinzayd is substantially dropped in trip after a few fishing trips over three miles. He wins his share of races North of the border but could be vulnerable to anything with pace. Another puzzle for the punters but one that will probably go south of the border to the Nicky Henderson trained Greenhope.
Ebinzayd (IRE) 50-1 In touch, ridden after 6th, soon weakened, 24th of 29, well behind Idole First at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Stormy Lord (IRE) 66-1 Mid-division, blundered 8th, soon weakened, behind when fell 4 out in race won by Fota Island at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar, 24 ran.
Through The Rye 4-1co-fav Raced in 4th, brief effort after 4 out, no impression and beaten after next, 4th of 6, 16l behind Dempsey at Sandown 2m nov chs (C) gs in Mar.
Locksmith 2-1jt-fav Led and not fluent throughout, soon clear, ridden after 9th, headed approaching 3 out, beaten when fell 2 out in race won by Kadount at Wincanton 2m nov chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Feb, 5 ran.
Greenhope (IRE) 20-1 Chased leaders, left in lead 10th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, no extra flat, 6th of 24, 11l behind Fota Island at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
