made all, mistake 4th, ridden clear after 4 out, unchallenged
held up, headway to chase winner 12th, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, went 2nd 12th, ridden after 4 out, 15 lengths 2nd when blundered badly 2 out, refused last
held up, headway 12th, ridden after 4 out, left 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
chased winner to 9th, lost place from 16th, hit 17th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
behind from 12th, pulled up before 16th
El Hombre Del Rio could be safest proposition in a fascinating contest, and is chosen to beat Sir Frosty and Miners Dance. Robert Alner's gelding put one of his best performances over fences last time when chasing home Tommy Carson at Lingfield. He does tend to put in the odd stinker, but if he is on a going day he could prove very hard to beat. Sir Frosty contested decent events last season including the Scottish Grand National. This is much more his class and distance and he will be a big threat to all. Miners Dance has claims on the best of last season's form but does have to overcome a long absence. Cowboyboots could go well despite top-weight, but Kittenkat and The Sawdust Kid have it all to do from out of the handicap, so not too many dangers to our selection El Hombre Del Rio.
