tracked leading pair, went 2nd before 4 out, challenged 2 out, disputed lead last, stayed on same pace flat
took keen hold, led, hit 4th and next, joined after 3 out, ridden and headed before next, weakened into 4th when blundered last
held up behind leaders, challenged 3 out, shaken up soon after, led approaching 2 out, ridden and headed last, no extra flat
held up in touch, headway approaching 4 out, tracked leaders and travelling well approaching 2 out, challenged on upsides last, driven and kept on well flat
took keen hold, tracked leader, hit 5th, lost second approaching 4 out, weakened quickly after next, tailed off
KOTKIMIX is taken to get punters off to a good start with Balzaccio and Stage Acclaim also considered. Paul Nicholls does well with his imports from France and this lightly-raced 4-year-old can provide him with another winner. He unseated his rider over the chase fences last time out, but he had previously won over hurdles and back over timber today he can regain the winning thread on his British debut. Balzaccio would have claims on his best form but he has disappointed on his last couple of outings and he has plenty to prove at present. Stage Acclaim was outclassed when last seen out at Cheltenham, but he had previously won well at Lingfield and at this level he can once again be a leading player. Benhego was a fair sort on the flat so he is worth a market check on his hurdling debut, but for the winner we will stick with Kotkimix.
Balzaccio (FR) 10-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, chased winner next until weakened approaching last, 4th of 7, 26l behind Tasheba (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Kotkimix (FR) (10-3) 5th of 0, 15l behind Rouky Des Brieres (10-3) at Royan-La Palmyre(FR) 2m hdl gs in May '08.
Stage Acclaim (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Chased leader, hit 4th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out, 5th of 9, 50l behind Tataniano (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Benhego 11-2 (8-3) Steadied start, held up behind, headway 2f out, kept on, never troubled leaders, 4th of 12, 5l behind Desert Sea (8-13) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar (flat).
Woody's Dream (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Keen, in touch, lost place 4th, ridden 2 out, held when mistake last, 5th of 10, 33l behind Proper (11-7) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
