held up in mid-division, ridden 6th, weakened 8th, no impression
held up, headway to chase winner 8th, went 2nd and ridden before 4 out, no chance with winner
chased leaders, smooth headway to lead 8th, clear 4 out, eased from last, impressively
led, soon clear, headed 8th, ridden and weakened after, tailed off from 3 out
Fadalko (FR) Improved throughout last year, culminating in epic clash with Edredon Bleu at Sandown. Goes particularly well fresh and could easily defy top weight here. Any rain would help.
Desert Mountain (IRE) Eleven lengths behind Fadalko at Sandown and now 11lbs better off but jockey bookings suggest he could be the stable's third string here.
Best Mate (IRE) Remains unbeaten over fences. Beaten behind Barton on heavy ground at Aintree over hurdles last time.. Sure to prefer these conditions and seems attractively weighted for new season.
Cenkos (FR) Comes here race fit but would need to improve a lot on Wincanton reappearance to feature here.