held up, behind from 12th, blundered 16th, pulled up before next
tracked leaders, led 14th, mistake 4 out, ridden and 2 lengths clear when fell 2 out
chased leaders, lost place 10th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden 15th, soon weakened
prominent, led 5th to 14th, ridden when hampered and left in lead 2 out, soon headed and beaten
held up, hit 7th, steady headway 14th, led soon after 2 out, hit last, ridden out
in touch, ridden approaching 15th, soon weakened
held up, behind from 11th, tailed off when refused 3 out
held up, headway 14th, ridden and every chance 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
led, hit 2nd, headed 5th, stayed prominent, hit 15th, ridden next, weakened 3 out
B B Boy showed little in bumpers last season but was always expected to do better over fences. Kim Bailey's chases tend to need a couple of runs so he may be best watched on his chase debut. Cambrian Dawn was sent off a hot favourite to land a competitive hurdle at Aintree recently but proved most disappointing (beaten over 60 lengths). He should improve for that reappearance run and his trainer will have him ready for his fencing debut. Hansbury is a full-brother to smart staying chaser Political Tower and is well regarded at home. He will be ready for this debut and is the TEAMtalk selection. Smart hurdler Effectual will be the likely favourite due to his superior hurdle form though it is slightly worrying that he makes his chase debut at nine. Nevertheless if taking to the larger obstacles he will be hard to beat. Jivaros had some progressive hurdle form last season and if taking to these larger jumps will go close though he may prefer the ground a bit softer. Young Ottoman put up a nice performance on his chasing debut at Newbury finishing third beaten just over a length by some useful sorts. If progressing he may take all the beating. Likely favourite is Surprising who has had one pipe-opener over hurdles. A top class hurdler (higher rated than Effectual) if he can translate his talent he will go close in the most interesting race of the day.