tracked leader, close up approaching 3 out, led briefly approaching last, no extra, run-in
held up in rear, mistake 5th, pushed along 4 out, headway under pressure after 3 out, stayed on strongly to lead approaching last, soon clear
led, clear to 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra
tracked leaders, dropped rear 5th, soon tailed off
In what should be a two-horse race, Albuhera is taken to beat Chivalry, with Musical Stage only likely to capitalise if both fall. Albuhera will find this less exacting than either of his two previous engagements at Cheltenham and Aintree, and should have too much speed for Chivalry. Apart from his latest defeats, Paul Nicholls' charge has been ultra consistent, winning six times in all over timber since switching from the Flat and may have too much experience at present for his main rival. Chivalry actually opened his account over the course and distance after landing the Cambridgeshire, and although having a bright future at the winter game, was considered too immature to go to Cheltenham or Aintree. Instead, Howard Johnson ran him in the Lincoln in which he disappointed, finishing down the field. He remains a horse of potential but for now will find animals of the calibre of Albuhera too hot to handle and looks booked for second place here, with Musical Stage needing to improve a stone to figure. All in all, Paul Nicholls should get himself off to a flyer with Albuhera.
