close up on outside until dropped to rear but still in touch 6th, driven and unable to go with leaders before 4 out, soon lost touch, tailed off
led, headed approaching 4 out, not fluent 2 out, kept on and every chance when mistake last, readily outpaced by front pair flat
close up on inside, not fluent 9th, jumped right 4 out, soon outpaced, ridden and rallied between last 2, close 2nd last, led flat, kept on towards finish
close up, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, 4th and held after next
Kateson’s dam won over fences but his lack of experience is a slight concern. EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS fell on his chasing bow and made mistakes when third at Ascot but that clear round should have helped build confidence and he’s fancied to make it third-time lucky over the larger obstacles. Present Value never looked like winning when a distant second at Aintree but will know more today and makes more appeal than Darlac and Black Centaur, who might need the run
Black Centaur (IRE) 28-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd 5th until before 4 out, chased leaders, went left and weakened after 3 out, 5th of 13, 34l behind Tarada (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) gs in Feb.
Darlac (FR) 2-1fav (11-7) Chased leaders, fell 4 out, at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Earlofthecotswolds (FR) 5-1 (11-8) Held up in touch, mistake 9th, weakened 12th, 3rd of 10, 7 1/2l behind Doctor Dex (10-8) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Kateson 5-1 (11-12) In touch on outside, pushed along in 3rd 3 out, mistake next, soon lost place, beaten when mistake last, 7th of 12, 15 3/4l behind Bold Plan (11-1) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Present Value (IRE) 11-4fav (11-1) Held up, headway when not fluent 9th, went 2nd last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Champagne Mystery (11-2) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
