led and soon clear to 6th, ridden approaching next, headed after 2 out, driven and every chance last, no extra close home
in touch, ridden and lost place 9th, soon behind
towards rear early, ridden and headway after 2 out, chasing leaders when mistake last, switched right flat, stayed on
headway 7th, mistake next, ridden 9th, weakened 2 out
headway 7th, ridden 2 out, rider lost iron last, led flat, driven out
towards rear, effort 8th, weakened next, soon behind
held up, hampered 5th, headway 9th, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
towards rear, steady headway after 9th, ridden 2 out, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden to lead after 2 out, headed flat, weakened close home
tracked leaders, ridden 8th, weakened 2 out
tracking leaders when fell 5th
Deano's Beano has an excellent course record and is probably best caught when he is fresh. He was seen out only twice last term and was aimed primarily at the Stayers¿ Hurdle at the Festival. He put in a below par effort on that occasion but he has always performed better on a flatter track. He sets the standard for the rest and will be hard to beat if he is on song. Freetown found the 10lb hike in the ratings after his Cheltenham success anchoring him at Aintree last time, but he progressed nicely throughout last season and should not be too far away again here. Surprising ran out a comfortable winner at Perth in his last outing and is weighted to reverse form with Freetown today. He looks the better of the two Hobbs-trained contenders and the drop back in trip will be in his favour against this class of opposition. Oliver Cromwell and Lorenzino are entitled to take their chances along with Imperial De Thaix, who is well treated and should act on the ground. Just Lizzie faces a mammoth task from so far out of the handicap, although any rain would be a bonus.