held up in rear, eased when beaten 2 out
with leader, led 5th to 10th, led again after 3 out, driven out
led to 5th, stayed prominent, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, weakened next
not fluent, in touch, reminder 6th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, stayed on towards finish
prominent, led 10th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened next
always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
in touch, reminders 8th, weakened 11th, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
Be The Tops was progressive over hurdles last summer and should go well on his chase debut, but we will stick with solid chase form and select Cresswell quay to beat Pharaway Citizen. Cresswell Quay was in tremendous form in the run up to Christmas, but having flown up the weights became a shade disappointing, albeit against much stronger opponents. He has had a two month vacation to recharge his batteries and could very well return to winning ways against this modest bunch. Pharaway Citizen comes here in great heart following a victory over The Lyme Volunteer at Hereford and then a a decent second behind Jacdor. Be The Tops will have been well schooled by the Jonjo O'Neill stable and any market move should be heeded. Echo Du Luc also comes into the reckoning on pieces of form from last season, but after careful consideration we will take a chance on Cresswell Quay.
