chased winner, prominent 3rd until 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
made all, hit 3rd, blundered 3 out, ridden approaching last, jumped left, stayed on well, ridden out
chased leaders, stumbled and nearly unseated rider 4th, soon recovered, hit 2 out, ridden and every chance approaching last, no extra flat
held up in touch, making headway when fell 5th
chased leaders until 2nd, hit next, soon tailed off
Mount Karinga is the pick over Grey Report, with Poitiers the best of Martin Pipe's trio. This race was won last year by Rhinestone Cowboy, but Mount Karinga is unlikely to follow his path. However, Paul Nicholls' charge should be good enough to take this judged on his recent victory over Gigs Bounty at Chepstow. He won by eight lengths despite a slight mistake at the last. Apart from that he was foot perfect and should pick up another race or two over hurdles before going chasing. Grey Report was given a very positive ride by Richard Johnson on his British debut at Newbury, making most and pulling away again when challenged. There will be no 50-1 on offer this time and he should go close. Poitiers won well on his British debut at Wincanton but was anchored by his double penalty and the testing ground at Plumpton next time. Nevertheless he looks the best of the Pipe trio, but will find life tough against the two principals, the best of whom appears to be Mount Karinga.
