chased leader, led 10th, headed 12th, led again 13th, headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden, still every chance last, not quicken flat
raced keenly, prominent, led 12th, headed 13th, weakened before next, tailed off
led to 10th, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 13th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, stayed on flat
A Hunter Chase to finish off with can go the way of veteran No Retreat, at the main expense of Life's A Flyer. The selection is a course and distance winner and was rated 134 at his peak as a chaser. His recent efforts in these contests look good in the context of this race and he should take all the beating today. Life's A Flyer looks the main danger although he would need to perform better than when last seen as he was pulled up. The break should have done him some good though and he looks the chief threat. Ricky B's recent point form is not anything to shout about, whilst Tinarana Lord had no excuses when well beaten last time out and must be opposed again. Ultimately this looks a fairly straight-forward task for No Retreat to land the spoils.
No Retreat (NZ) 14-1 (12-0) Held up, took closer order 7th, chased winner 2 out, no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Tribal Run (12-4) at Warwick 3m hts chs (5) hvy in Feb.
Lifes A Flyer (IRE) 12-1 (11-8) Always behind and pulled up at the 13th in race won by Penny Hall (10-8) at Listowel 3m hcp chs 0-109 gd in Sept, 18 ran.
Ricky B 5-1 (12-0) Led until headed 2 out; no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Twenty Degrees (12-7) at Whitwick Manor 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Tinarana Lord (IRE) 50-1 (11-9) Held up, jumped slow 7th, soon lost place, 5th of 11, 48l behind Cobreces (12-5) at Haydock 2m 6f hts chs (3) hvy in Feb.