prominent, led 4th, ridden after 2 out, headed last, no extra
tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, every chance approaching 4 out, soon ridden, weakening when hit 3 out
chased leaders until weakend quickly at 11th, pulled up before next
held up, saddle slipped, pulled up before 8th
led until 4th, prominent until 10th, lost touch with leading pair after 11th, stayed on well from 3 out to lead last, drew clear flat
behind from 6th, mistake 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 8th, close 4th when mistake and unseated rider 11th
Silence Reigns is given the office to atone for his blip at Newbury and is selected over Bengal Bullet and the formerly classy Wahiba Sands, who now has a little to prove after failing to complete in a point-to-point last month. Bengal Bullet is a previous course and distance winner that is holding his form well at present. He is versatile regarding his best trip and looks set to pose the selection the most problems this afternoon. However, Paul Nicholls has never lost faith in Silence Reigns and, with three races now behind him this season, the eleven-year-old gelding may be too sharp for this lot today.
Bengal Bullet 14-1 Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Kilbready Boy at Exeter 3m 1f hts chs (H) gs.
Silence Reigns 13-8 Held up, mistake 9th, joined leader 4 out, led going well before next, jumped left 2 out and last, headed and no extra run in, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Tanager at Newbury 3m hts chs (H) gs.
Ivanoph (FR) 6-1 Towards rear when mistake and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Hot Plunge at Hereford 2m hts chs (H) gf, 16 ran.
Apollo Victoria (FR) 10-1 fell in race won by Red Brook Lad at Wincanton 2m 5f hts chs (H) gs, 9 ran.
Mr Woodland 40-1 Led until 4th, chased leaders until weakened approaching 14th, 5th of 12, well behind Kilbready Boy at Exeter 3m 1f hts chs (H) gs.
Prince Dundee (FR) 8-1 3rd of 12, 14l behind Mighty Montefalco at Tweseldown 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Wahiba Sands 15-8 pulled up in race won by Skip 'n' Tune at Badbury Rings 3m ptp frm in Feb, 3 ran.