held up in last on outside, headway after 11th, led 4 out, hard pressed when fell 3 out
tracked leader, led after 11th, headed 4 out, no impression on winner last
chased leaders, went 3rd before 4 out, challenging when left in lead 3 out, clear last, stayed on
raced keenly, led until after 11th, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, disputing 2nd from 5th, pushed along 9th, outpaced before 4 out, soon weakened, left 3rd 3 out
Recent course and distance winner Wicked West and the hat-trick seeking Red Happy are both, theoretically, still ahead of the handicapper despite carrying penalties. The former was impressive on his chasing bow and is preferred of that pair but KAUTO THE KING could spring a surprise if back on song as he won off a 7lb higher mark in the autumn. The going might be too quick for Destin D'Ajonc and Dindin.
Wicked West (IRE) 8-13fav (11-7) Jumped well, held up in 3rd, closer at 9th, went 2nd after 11th, led on bit before 4 out, clear before next, easily, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Raffles Gitane (11-4) by 28l, 3 ran.
Kauto The King (FR) 8-1 (11-11) Close up early, led after 1st, headed 3 out, hung right and weakened from over 2 out, 7th of 11, 37l behind Duc De Beauchene (11-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Red Happy (FR) 9-4fav (12-2) Prominent, led 9th, ridden before 3 out, hit 3 out and 2 out, kept on gamely to assert run-in, won at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Full Of Surprises (11-7) by 8 1/2l, 6 ran.
Dindin (FR) 3-1 (11-4) Midfield, not quicken, 6th of 10, 19 3/4l behind Rhodax (10-12) at Angers 2m 3f hvy in Feb.
Destin D'Ajonc (FR) 11-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, 4th and beaten 2 out, no extra, 4th of 8, 15 1/4l behind Ecume Atlantique (11-12) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Mar.
