chased leaders, mistake 5 out, soon weakened
prominent, led 5th, challenged from 4 out, hard ridden 2 out, stayed on strongly
held up towards rear, headway 6 out, soon chasing leaders, travelling strongly 3 out, soon ridden to challenge, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, effort when not fluent 4 out, weakened after next
led until 5th, ridden and weakened 6 out, behind when pulled up 4 out
in touch, headway to track leaders 6 out, every chance before 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, never a factor
held up towards rear, slow 12th, soon beaten
A magnificent turnout for what may well prove to be the best chase of the season apart from the Gold Cup next March. Nicky Henderson has thrust two Gold Cup winners into the fray, including the reigning champion BOBS WORTH. The latter has yet to really grab true public affection due to the relative rarity of his appearances but his ability is not in question. He was more than good enough to land the Hennessy Gold Cup at this stage of the season last year and his unbeaten record going left-handed is there for all to see. The opposition is formidable but he's the standard-setter in a tremendous renewal. Silviniaco Conti was impressive when landing this last year and was still bang in contention when coming to grief three out in the Gold Cup. He may still have more to offer and rates a proper threat to the champion. Tidal Bay continues to belie his years under Nicholls tutelage and is essential shortlist material whilst this will unquestionably reveal whether or not Dynaste has true Gold Cup and/or King George potential. The jury is out on Long Run presently, Cue Card may find his stamina threatened whilst The Giant Bolster and Roi Du Mee add further glitter to a stellar steeplechase.
Bobs Worth (IRE) 11-4fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced after 4 out, switched outside and headway when left 4th and hampered next, challenged after 2 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on under pressure flat, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f chs G1 (1) sft in Mar beating Sir Des Champs (11-10) by 7l, 9 ran.
Cue Card 11-10fav (11-10) Led, blundered 4th, headed narrowly after 8th, regained narrow lead approaching 4 out, headed next, ridden and no impression with leading pair before last, held on for 3rd near finish, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Somersby (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs Grade 2 (1) gs.
Dynaste (FR) 9-4fav (11-4) Held up in touch, smooth headway 3 out, challenged next, led approaching last, quickened clear flat, readily, won at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Apr beating Third Intention (11-4) by 6l, 6 ran.
Long Run (FR) 4-5fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, mistake 11th, outpaced when not fluent 4 out, mistake and weakened 3 out, jumped left 2 out, 5th of 7, 42l behind Harry Topper (11-6) at Wetherby 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs.
Roi Du Mee (FR) 12-1 (11-10) Made all, strongly pressed throughout, slight mistake 5 out, pushed out to assert before 2 out, soon clear, easily, won at Down Royal 3m chs G1 (1) sft beating Sizing Europe (11-10) by 13l, 6 ran.
Silviniaco Conti (FR) Evensfav (11-7) Held up behind, mistake 14th, went 5th before 3 out, headway before 2 out, went 3rd before last, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1 3/4l behind First Lieutenant (11-7) at Aintree 3m 1f chs G1 (1) gd in Apr.
The Giant Bolster 9-1 (11-7) Led to 3rd and not fluent, with leader from 9th, mistake 14th, weakened from next, 7th of 8, 20l behind First Lieutenant (11-7) at Aintree 3m 1f chs G1 (1) gd in Apr.
Tidal Bay (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Held up in 5th, closed before 3 out, waited with until went 2nd and not fluent last, ridden and strong run towards finish, led close home, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hdl G2 (1) gs beating Medinas (11-4) by 1l, 6 ran.
