led to 2nd, led again approaching 5th, headed next, ridden and weakened approaching last
in touch, ridden after 4 out, kept on same pace
prominent, not fluent 2nd, ridden and weakened approaching 5th
held up in touch, headway approaching 4 out, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, comfortably
mid-division, kept on same pace from 4 out
always in touch, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
prominent chasing leaders, led approaching 3 out, not fluent and soon headed, one pace from last
towards rear, mistake 1st, never nearer
always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
badly hampered 1st, some headway 3rd, soon ridden and weakened
held up towards rear, never on terms
Most of these were only moderate performers on the Flat and that description is probably going to be extended into their outings over hurdles. Therefore it is difficult to look further than Knocktopher Abbey as the likeliest winner. The son of Pursuit Of Love was given a light introduction to timber at Cheltenham last October, before going on to finish a close up fourth at Ludlow last time out. That form reads well in the context of this race and he would not have to find too much to hold his rivals at bay today. The Martin Pipe-trained Nautical rates as an obvious danger after his first completed start for the champion trainer at Newbury last month. And any significant support for him should be noted. Double Destiny and Berkley Hall are others to watch out for in the betting but their resolution for the trip has to be taken a little on trust at this stage.
