tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to challenge and hit 2 out, narrow lead and hit last, kept narrow advantage run-in, driven to assert near finish
tracked leaders to 5th, prominent, led and quickened 8th, driven and joined 2 out, narrowly headed last, every chance run-in, held near finish
keen, held up in touch, hit 6th, took poor 3rd and blundered 2 out
led and set steady pace, mistake 2nd, headed 8th, stayed chasing leaders until weakened after 3out
took keen hold, tracked leaders in 4th, went 2nd 5th, weakened 3out
Nonrunner
The two that stand out against the field are Alikat and Goblet Of Fire, with the former just preferred as the least exposed. Tiger Lair can also figure for each-way players if the dead eight stand their ground, as he does not have too much to find to reverse Cheltenham form with Goblet Of Fire. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained five-year-old has been off for quite sometime though and does need to prove his fitness. Goblet Of Fire has been consistent since he switched to hurdles and has paid his way in win and place money. However, he does have a tendency to find a few too good and looks opposable on these terms. Especially as Alikat is in receipt of 7lb today. Martin Pipe has been patient with this son of Alhaarth since he arrived from Ireland and, with the trip and ground also in his favour, he has a solid chance of adding to his tally today.
