held up in rear, ridden 15th, headway approaching 5 out, kept on, nearest finish
made all, mistake 9th, clear 5 out, pushed out flat
mid-division, hit 5th, behind when ridden 12th, headway 15th, weakened approaching 4 out
held up in touch until ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, headway 12th, ridden 5 out, one pace from next
held up, headway 12th, mistake 14th, weakened 4 out
cahsed winner from 3rd, ridden approaching 5 out, stayed on flat
prominent when slow jump 1st, soon mid-division, ridden and weakened 17th, tailed off when pulled up
chased winner to 3rd, in touch until weakened 14th, soon behind, tailed off from 17th
always behind, mistake 16th and 18th, lost touch next
A strong renewal where Pizarro stands out as an interesting raider from across the Irish sea and is expected to have a touch too much class for Colourful Life and Stormez, who have both been in good heart so far this term. That is not to dismiss the challenges presented by the likes of Gunner Welburn and Native Emperor, who both have an abundance of stamina and cannot confidently be ruled out of bouncing back to form in a race that should suit both in their styles of running. Another one to take notes on in the race is One Night, who has not been seen since he was badly injured in the 2003 running of the Hennessey Gold Cup. Winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase in the same year, One Knight obviously has stacks of ability and his connections will be preying that the wait has been worth it as he sets about rebuilding his career. It is realistic to assume that he will be much sharper for the experience today and a watching brief on the betting is advised before letting the heart rule the head with him. Pizarro, also a former Cheltenham Festival winner, looks a more reliable option today, as his trainer has always held the opinion that this sort of trip is ideal for him. The undulating nature of the course should not hinder the seven-year-old and, with Davey Russell deputising for the otherwise engaged Barry Geraghty, Pizarro has a great chance of getting his season off to a flyer.
