tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear last, comfortably
led to 3 out, soon ridden, kept on, no chance with winner
chased leader to 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up and not fluent, headway 4 out, ridden to chase winner briefly approaching 2 out, soon weakened, eased flat
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
Phardante Flyer and Ennel Boy have both shown reasonable form but it will be a surprise if this does not go to Idaho d'Ox, who should have too much class for his rivals. Martin Pipe's gelding has faced an uphill struggle against the handicapper over hurdles of late and the switch to chasing brought instant dividends when the son of Bad Conduct opened his account at Exeter last month. Clear two out and eased considerably on the flat there, Idaho d'Ox probably has most to fear from Phardante Flyer. The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding has had his training problems but was the best of these over hurdles and, if retaining some of his old ability, would be a major threat to the selection. Ennel Boy has faced a stiff task over timber recently and may have his confidence boosted by going over the larger obstacles but this looks a tough assignment for his return to chasing. The others make limited appeal.
