led 1st, headed and mistake next, stayed prominent, mistake 5th, reminder after 7th, struggling from 4 out, soon weakened
raced in touch, jumped right 4th, pushed along and struggling after 4 out, soon beaten
led approaching 2nd, headed after 6th, lost touch approaching 3 out, kept on
tracked leaders, led after 6th, clear approaching 3 out, very easily
Vol Solitaire is likely to be at prohibitive odds for this contest and is impossible to oppose. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding was a progressive performer over hurdles last season with a narrow defeat of Copeland in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow the highlight of the campaign. Granted a clear round the TEAMtalk selection should win. Sir Storm was probably the best of the others over hurdles but the one for the forecast may be Canon Barney. Formerly trained in Ireland but now in the care of Jonjo O'Neill, he may have more improvement in him than George Moore's horse. Calinash has shown little sign of ability form limited opportunities so far.