led and set strong pace, driven between last 2, no extra, headed final 100 yards
chased leader to 3 out, weakened soon after
blundered 1st, held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, weakened between last 2
held up, in rear, struggling 5th, mistake 3 out
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, mistake next, challenged, went left, mistake last, no extra flat
in touch, headway 5th, stayed on approaching last, went 2nd flat, led final 100 yards, driven out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out to last, weakened flat
mistake, always behind, hit 2nd, jumped right next not fluent 4th, soon tailed off
chased leaders until weakened 5th
in touch until ridden, weakened 3 out
Buena Vista is an exciting prospect and can pay to follow, with Boychuk, French Accordion, Rimsky and Natal just four more to note in a cracking race to get the Open under way. Buena Vista was in terrific form during the summer, landing four races in succession. He seemed to get better and better as time went on, culminating in a fine all the way win in handicap company at the big Market Rasen meeting in June. Back in novice company, he will take some beating, and the decision by Martin Pipe to target this race for his comeback can prove the right one. Mind you, he will not have things all his own way, not in this line-up, as all the main contenders line up in winning form. Irish raider French Accordion is a full-brother to Accordion Etoile, and was successful in a Grade 3 contest at Tipperary in October. He will not mind the slog up the hill and is one to follow, especially when put over further. Boychuk has done nothing wrong since coming over from Ireland and turns out fitter than most, while Persian War winner Rimsky is a tough sort but may just find this on the short side. His stamina will come into play though and he yet another worthy contender along with Natal who is growing up rapidly. Crow Wood was a useful stayer on the Flat and is also worth a mention, but Buena Vista, from the stable that sent out Marcel to win last year, can complete a five-timer.
Buena Vista (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Made most, ridden 2 out, headed briefly last, stayed on well under pressure flat, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (B) gd in Jul beating Hilltime (10-3) by 1 1/2l, 18 ran.
French Accordion (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead after 5th, led before 4 out, edged clear next, strongly pressed before last, stayed on well, won at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 sft in Oct beating Carthalawn (10-10) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Natal (FR) 6-4 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, driven clear flat, won at Stratford 2m nov hdl (C) gd in May beating Portavadie (11-8) by 4l, 7 ran.
Rimsky (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Held up in touch, headway to chase leader 6th, ridden along and outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, led after last, driven out, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (A) sft in Oct beating Massini's Maguire (11-0) by 1l, 7 ran.
Two Miles West (IRE) 5-2 (11-0) Tacked leaders, mistake 4th, headway to lead 3 out, quickened clear next, ridden approaching last, held on close home, won at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (C) sft in Oct beating Circassian (11-0) by a hd, 14 ran.
Boychuk (IRE) 11-10fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead after 2 out, ran on, won at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gs in Oct beating French Envoy (10-12) by 2l, 11 ran.
Crow Wood 4-9fav (11-4) Led and took keen hold, clear when blundered badly 2 out, soon ridden and headed, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 19, 10l behind Spring Breeze (10-12) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (D) gd in Oct.
Off Spin 9-2 (11-4) Chased leader, led over 5f out, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, rallied to lead inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) sft in Apr beating Cloudy Lane (11-4) by 1l, 16 ran.
Lago d'Oro 33-1 (10-7) Led to 2nd, chased clear leader until mistake 3 out, soon no chance with front pair, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Darrias (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (D) gd in Oct.
Danehill Diamond (IRE) 7-1 (9-9) Held up, driven along before halfway, 9th early straight, stayed on from 2f out, 4th of 15, 3l behind Skerries (8-13) at Naas 1m 2f fll hcp gd in Jun (Flat).
