held up towards rear, reminders 10th, ridden 5 out, outpaced next, kept on one pace from 2 out
held up in mid-division, mistake 9th, fell next
held up towards rear, reminders 4th, hampered 6th, ridden 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
held up in touch, pushed along 10th, ridden to chase winner 4 out, jumped left final 2, no chance
held up in touch, headway to lead 9th, clear after 4 out, comfortably
towards rear, blundered 3rd, behind when jumped slowly 10th, pulled up before next
led, headed approaching 8th, remained close up, weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner briefly after 5 out, outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on one pace approaching last
mid-division, headway 5 out, effort and chance 4 out, weakened 2 out
towards rear, fell 9th
held up in mid-division, fell 6th
A few of these have yet to really establish themselves as chasers and is not a race to get heavily involved with. However, the drop in trip should not be a problem for Benbecula and the Paul Webber-trained gelding is fancied to make the long journey from Oxfordshire worthwhile in this company. The seven-year-old is preferred over Super Sammy, Touch Closer and Green Ideal, who all have solid each-way claims and, along with High Cotton, should make this a good test for the selection. However, as jumping will be at a premium today, Benbecula holds the edge despite not looking to be the most straightforward of characters in his races. The son of Glacial Storm was a consistent sort over hurdles - even running Rhinestone Cowboy close before tiring on his debut over timber. Benbecula has fewer questions to answer about his ability to take a fence cleanly than most of the field and this could finally be the day he gets his first win registered in the form book if all goes to plan.
