tracked winner, disputed lead 3rd to approaching 11th, every chance when slipped badly landing 3 out, no chance after, held on well for 2nd close home
jumped well throughout, made all, left well clear 3 out, canter
in touch, niggled along 14th, struggling from next, tailed off from 4 out
in touch, struggling approaching 4 out, kept on flat
Paul Nicholls' Il Capitano, a winner of seven of his last eight races, and Jonjo O'Neill's Mighty Montefalco, a winner of his last three, catch the eye here. A worry about the latter is that he has suffered from sore shins so quick ground is not ideal for him. Il Capitano reached a rating of 122 over the smaller obstacles, and O'Neill's runner 120. Russell House is bred for this game and should strip fitter for his debut run over fences. Mister Bigtime is interesting in that, although still a novice, has run well in handicap company. His 231-day break possibly counts against him but, if fit, has to be respected. Overall, then, the progressive Il Capitano is taken as the TEAMtalk selection.
