tracked leader, slipped on landing 10th, ridden and mistake 14th, soon weakened
tracked leaders, mistake 9th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leader, slow 4th and 13th, travelling well approaching 2 out, led before last, shaken up, eased close home
led, mistake 11th, driven clear 13th, headed approaching last, hung right, kept on
The Hearty Joker has Usk Valley to beat here, with Lost In Normandy and Early Edition not entirely out of things. We tipped Usk Valley last time he ran when successful at Hereford, but he has been raised six pounds for that win over moderate opposition. Although he is still far better treated over fences than hurdles, it will be tough for him to master The Hearty Joker and we just prefer the claims of Brendan Powell's charge. To be fair, all the nine-year-old had to do at Towcester last time was jump round after most of his main rivals had defected due to the fast ground. He loves to hear his hooves rattle though, and although back up to his highest mark of 86, should be up to the task. Lost In Normandy gets weight all round but has a bit of improving to do, while Early Edition, who has had a two-month break, has not been at his best from a jumping point of view. All in all, The Hearty Joker looks to be the safest option with conditions very much in his favour.
