tracked winner to 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up, close up and going well when unseated rider 4 out
made all, set steady pace, ridden approaching 2 out, challenged approaching last, kept on well
held up, headway to join leaders 9th, in 3rd when pulled up after 11th, dismounted
held up rear, not fluent 9th, headway 3 out, to chase winner, every chance last, no extra flat
tracked leaders, tracked winner from 6th until mistake and weakening when hampered 4 out
A chance is taken with Flight Command in a tough opener at Bangor, with Cordilla and the French-bred Jumieges rated as the biggest dangers. The last mentioned stuck to the task well after making a mistake three-out when he won on his British debut last month - showing a good attitude for the game as he held off a strong late challenge. He should have benefited from the experience and is one to carefully monitor in the betting market. Cordilla paid his way over hurdles last term and should again give his connections plenty of fun this time around. However, there has to be the suspicion that he may just need this after a 236-day break, therefore he is probably best watched as he makes his chasing bow today. We prefer the claims of the race-fit Flight Command, who has shown a good aptitude for fences and readily banished the memory of a novicey fall at Wetherby when he almost came good at the same track three weeks ago. That form was boosted when the winner ran a blinder in a Grade Two at the weekend and looks the most solid piece on offer up to date. Therefore, Flight Command is fancied to atone for his frustrating start to his chasing career and come good today.
