held up in touch, headway after 12th, soon ridden, beaten 3rd when blundered 2 out
tracked leaders, led after 12th, ridden and headed after 2 out, weakened approaching last
led, hit 2nd, headed 6th, in touch when blundered and unseated rider 12th
held up, hit 6th, ridden after 12th, soon beaten
soon behind, tailed off from 8th
in touch when crumpled landing and fell 8th
tracked leader, led 6th, headed after 12th, soon weakened, hit 3 out and next, pulled up before last
Ten runners for the opening race on Thomas Pink Gold Cup day with Michael Hourigan's dual winner Minella Leisure having to give weight away to some useful types. Among them French import Jardin De Beaulieu, who should do better this term than last season, Henrietta Knight's recent Bangor winner Keep Smiling, Rufius who won a poor contest at Huntingdon and the Paul Nicholls-trained Iverain - a narrow winner over Lucky Bay at Wincanton last time - all warrant respect. However, Tarxien was, by some way, the best of these over hurdles and if he can translate that form over the larger obstacles he will be the one to beat. Martin Pipe has a great record at this meeting, is sure to have ensured the son of Kendor has been well schooled and, under Tony McCoy, he gets the TEAMtalk vote.