chased leader, challenge from 3 out, led just after last, ridden out
led, mistake and challenge from 3 out, mistake last, soon headed, kept on
held up in 3rd, went 2nd briefly 4 out, every chance between 3 out and 2 out, switched left after 2 out, soon weakened and eased
always last, hit 9th, lost touch 13th, tailed off
Idle Talk makes a touch more appeal as a betting proposition than It Takes Time and Fundamentalist in a very tricky little contest where race tactics will play a huge part in the outcome. It would also be folly not to mention Cornish Sett, who has the ability to play a leading role but lacks consistency in his profile. He needs everything to go his way and is difficult to strongly enthuse about at the likely cramped odds. Fundamentalist - a Gold cup prospect before injury abruptly ended his 2004 campaign - struggled to find his form last season and has plenty to prove at present. His stamina is also unproven and Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge is probably best watched. Unless the betting market indicates otherwise, that is! It Takes Time has never really lived up to his potential and only has a solitary victory to his name from 18 starts since 2003. That said, he attacks his fences with a relish and, as a proven stayer, he will make this a good test. However, Idle Talk, who handles all types of ground, has far more scope to improve and, even though he may need a marathon trip to be seen at his best, he has fewer questions to answer than the rest on this occasion.
Cornish Sett (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, brief effort approaching 3 out, soon beaten, 11th of 19, 29l behind Monolith (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Oct.
Fundamentalist (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Took keen hold in rear, not fluent 8th, headway on inside approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 11th of 12, well behind Mighty Man (11-6) at Aintree 3m hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Apr.
It Takes Time (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, steady headway from 19th, driven approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 18, 15l behind Lacdoudal (11-5) at Sandown 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gf in Apr.
Jaloux d'Estruval (FR) 150-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, not fluent 6th, never dangerous, 9th of 10, well behind Our Vic (11-10) at Wetherby 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Oct.
Idle Talk (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, mistake 15th, led 21st, headed 5 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 30, 11l behind Run For Paddy (10-2) at Ayr 4m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Apr.
