led to 4th, chased leader, hit 6th, mistake 12th, ridden approaching 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well
chased leader until 4th, ridden and hit 3 out when weakening
in touch, outpaced when it 4 out, chased winner last, kept on
in rear, headway to lead 4th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakening when hit last
Only four runners go to post for the opener and it is hard to see past COMPANERO who is nominated over Golden Child and Nine De Sivola. The selection is returning from a lengthy break but he has already managed to get his head in front twice from just three starts over hurdles. He has always looked like a natural chaser and he will love this ground so he makes plenty of appeal with this extra yardage another plus. Nigel Twiston-Davies has his string in sparkling form at present so Golden Child has got to be respected. A blunder at the final fence cost him the race here last month but this step-up in trip should suit and he can go well. Nine De Sivola is another returning from a long break and he will go on the ground, but he is thoroughly exposed compared to our selection. It will be a big surprise if Will Be Done is good enough and we will stick with Companero as the choice.
Companero (IRE) 2-7fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, not fluent 7th, ridden after 4 out, went 2nd next, stayed on to lead after last, driven out, won at Ayr 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar beating Spitfire Sortie (11-8) by 6l, 7 ran.
Golden Child (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) Towards rear, headway 10th, effort 3 out, disputed 2nd last, no extra flat, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Killyglen (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Oct.
Nine De Sivola (FR) 5-1fav (10-1) Mid-division, smooth headway from 6 out, ridden 4 out, kept on to challenge winner approaching 2 out, kept on one pace flat, 2nd of 23, 1/2l behind Hot Weld (9-9) at Ayr 4m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gf in Apr '07.
Will Be Done (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) In touch, headway 8th to track leaders, weakened 3 out, 7th of 11, 25l behind Killyglen (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Oct.
