held up, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, found nil
led to 14th, ridden next, weakened approaching 2 out
close up, led 14th, clear last, ridden out
close up, mistake 9th, ridden 4 out, weakened after 3 out, behind when pulled up before last
The most valuable race on the card has drawn a competitive field but News Maker is taken to defy top weight. Heathor Dalton's charge is progressing along the right lines since being switched to the larger obstacles and landed decent prize over three miles at Haydock in December, winning with 16 lengths to spare at the line. The son of Good Thyne looked unlucky not to follow up next time when a bad stumble at the last cost him the race and he can gain compensation. Bear On Board has few miles on the clock and is open to further improvement but looks very one-paced judged on the evidence to date. Norlandic is out of form at present while Mighty Kilcash has had his share of problems in recent times and Little Brown Bear is best watched following a five-month absence.
