prominent, ridden and slightly lost place 11th, stayed on again from 2 out, not reach leaders
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, led after next, driven approaching last, stayed on well flat
mid-division when blundered and unseated rider 11th
held up, steady headway from 11th, ridden and no extra from 2 out
took keen hold, prominent, challenged 3 out, chased winner after next, not quicken under pressure approaching last
behind, not fluent 2nd, ridden from 12th, no chance with blundered badly and fell 3 out
held up, ridden and beaten when slightly hampered 2 out
led, ridden 3 out, headed after next, soon weakened
tracked leaders, pressing leader and every chance when not fluent 3 out, hard driven and beaten when blundered last
jumped poorly in rear, blundered and rider lost irons 8th, blundered 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
ridden and weakened from 4 out
chased leader, ridden and losing place when blundered and fell 2 out
always behind, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up in rear, beaten when blundered 3 out, hampered next
Martin Pipe has won this five times in recent years including with Lady Cricket in 2000 and Shooting Light 12 months ago. This year the master of Nicholashayne is represented by three of the 15 runners, Cyfor Malta, Exit Swinger and Chicuelo. The first mentioned won this in 1998 but has only won twice since and is best left alone, as is Exit Swinger, who races off a 17lb higher mark than when runner-up last season. Chicuelo has been at the top of the bookmakers ante post lists since betting on the contest first opened and, with Tony McCoy having been on a starvation diet for the last week to do 10st 1lb, he has to be the TEAMtalk selection. An impressive winner on his debut for Martin Pipe, since leaving the Ian Williams stable, when beating Star Jack by five lengths (value for further) the French import still appears well treated even off a 16lb higher mark. Henrietta Knight's pair Foly Pleasant and Perfect Fellow warrant respect against their former stable companion, while the Willie Mullins-trained Its Time For A Win looks best of the Irish contingent. However, it will be a surprise if Martin Pipe does not add to his impressive tally of victories in this event and the favourite should win.