held up, headway to go 2nd 13th, ridden to lead and stumbled 2 out, ridden clear from last, eased towards finish
with leader when blundered 1st, led 3rd, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened after last, lost 2nd run-in, finished tired
led, hit and headed 3rd, hit 6th, weakening in 4th when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
tracked leaders, headway 12th, mistake 4 out, lost place next, kept on from 2 out, took 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
Although the form of the stable is of concern, Nicky Henderson's Trabolgan has looked potentially top class and is taken to score at the main expense of Jazz d'Estruval and Sonevafushi. The selection was useful in bumpers and over hurdles but has shown improved form since being switched to the larger obstacles, following a debut defeat of subsequent winner Kadount with a fine second to the more experienced Ollie Magern at Kempton in the Feltham on Boxing Day. A reproduction of that effort should suffice. Sue Smith's St Matthew as shown a reasonable level of form but needs to improve dramatically to trouble the selection and of more interest is the Venetia Williams-trained Sonevafushi. There might not be much of the seven-year-old but he has a big heart and on a line through Ollie Magern cannot be completely dismissed. Jazz d'Estruval overcame a long absence to make a winning start to his chase career at Ayr last month and will be suited by the underfoot conditions but Trabolgan is a really likeable sort and is hard to oppose.
