chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, mistake 6th (water), never travelling with any fluency after, no impression on leaders from 3 out
prominent to 2nd, held up in rear, behind from 7th, pulled up before 9th
tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, led 4th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after 2 out
led to 4th, chased leader until 7th, ridden when not fluent 8th, soon struggling
always prominent, went 2nd 7th, led 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well
held up, headway approaching 7th, hit 9th, stayed on one pace from 2 out, never near leaders
held up and behind, pushed along approaching 2 out, never on terms
held up, headway into mid-division after 4th, chased winner after 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on flat, no impression
This is one of, if not the most eagerly awaited clashes of the whole Festival, and in what looks a three-cornered affair, we shall take Moscow Flyer to gain his second success in the race over Azertyuiop and Well Chief. The last horse to complete a double in the Queen Mother was Viking Flagship in 1994 and 1995, and now we have not one but two horses in with a chance of joining the list. Moscow Flyer was successful in 2003 but unseated Barry Geraghty four out last year, leaving Azertyuiop to take the crown. In addition, both had captured the Arkle the season before coming back to contest this event, so Well Chief has history on his side as well and must not be ruled out. On the run up to today's fascinating contest, Moscow Flyer saw off the challenges of both Azertyuiop and Well Chief in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December, and went on to make it 17 wins from as many completed starts when having little more than an exercise canter at Punchestwon at the end of January. Jessica Harrington has been very pleased with his preparation, and he looks the one to beat again. There were no excuses for Azertyuiop at Sandown as he lined up fitter than he had when beaten by his main rival 12 months earlier, and unless Ruby Walsh has a cunning plan up his sleeve, it is difficult to see what he can do to reverse the form. Amazingly, despite the fact that Martin Pipe is the top trainer at the Festival, he has yet to add the Queen Mother to his ever-growing list. As stated earlier though, Arkle winners have a tremendous record, and although the David Johnson-owned six-year-old was a faller in the Castleford Chase at Wetherby, he bounced back by taking the Victor Chandler here before playing second fiddle to Paul Nicholls' charge at Newbury last time. Central House may be the one to benefit for a place if any of the principals come down, but if they all stay upright, a thrilling finish is in the offing, with Moscow Flyer taken to come out on top.
Azertyuiop (FR) 11-10fav Always prominent, led 4 out, ridden clear after 2 out, driven out, won at Newbury 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Feb beating Well Chief by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Cenkos (FR) 16-1 Pressed leader from 3rd, ridden and lost place before 4 out, no chance after, 5th of 6, 19l behind Oneway at Sandown 2m hcp chs (B) gs in Feb.
Central House 4-7fav Made all, clear from 3 out, not extended, won at Naas 2m chs Grd 2 (A) sft in Feb beating Native Upmanship by 7l, 4 ran.
Kadarann (IRE) 33-1 In touch, reminder after 5th, behind from 7th, 5th of 6, 41l behind Azertyuiop at Newbury 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Feb.
Moscow Flyer (IRE) 2-11fav Made all, drew clear 4 out, reduced advantage after 2 out, ridden to assert after last, easily, won at Punchestown 2m chs Grd 3 hvy in Jan beating Steel Band by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Oneway (IRE) 5-2 Held up last, not fluent 4th, headway after 3 out, effort last, led flat, stayed on well, won at Sandown 2m hcp chs (B) gs in Feb beating Impek by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Venn Ottery 14-1 Took keen hold, held up, headway to chase leaders 3rd, weakened after 12th, behind and pulled up 3 out in race won by Supreme Prince at Newbury 2m 4f lst hcp chs (A) gs, 15 ran.
Well Chief (GER) 5-4 Held up, mistake 5th, headway 8th, chased winner after 4 out, no impression after 2 out, kept on flat, no danger, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Azertyuiop at Newbury 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Feb.
