led, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on one pace
close up in 3rd when blundered and nearly unseated rider 1st, mistake 4 out, soon ridden and no impression
jumped well, tracked leader, led 2 out, ridden out
SOLAR IMPULSE has the edge on both of today's rivals on these terms. He finished runner up in a Grade 2 event at Doncaster early in the year and sports the same colours as Fago, who won this in 2013 for Paul Nicholls. Kings Lad won a novices' handicap back in January and has a recent run under his belt but Doctor Phoenix has plenty on his plate at the weights, despite a cosy win at Lingfield just 10 days ago.
Kings Lad (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Led until 2nd, chased leaders, effort when hit 3 out, stayed on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 5, 10 3/4l behind Smad Place (11-9) at Kempton 2m 4f (2) gd in Nov.
Solar Impulse (FR) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th, ridden before and weakening when not fluent 4 out, left 3rd 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 5, 23l behind Top Gamble (11-4) at Ayr 2m 4f (1) gd in Apr.
Doctor Phoenix (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Made all, jumped well, hard driven when challenged 3 out, quickened clear approaching last, easily, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Walk In The Mill (11-1) by 5l, 6 ran.
