behind, pulled hard early, never dangerous
pulled hard, led till 2nd, remained prominent, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, headway 5th, ridden 3 out, soon behind
in touch, headway 3 out, every chance approaching 2 out, not quickened
prominent, led after 5th, headed 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
held up, headway approaching 5th, led 3 out, jumped right 2 out, ran on
in touch, weakened after 5th
chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, no impression
prominent, led 2nd, headed after 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
Not too many of these can be given much of a chance and the vote goes to Easter Present, who gets the verdict over Green Tango and Spread The Dream. The selection showed progressive form in bumpers and, after a couple of promising starts, opened his account with the minimum of fuss at Hereford last month. Henrietta Knight's gelding is sure to have been well schooled and is marginally preferred to Green Tango. Henry Daly's gelding, a bumper winner at Uttoxeter in November, was disappointing when turned over at odds-on at Ludlow the following month and looks worth opposing here. Nicky Henderson's Spread The Dream lacks the experience of his main rivals but cannot be discounted, while Fakenham bumper winner On The Verge blotted his copybook when running out on his hurdling debut at Towcester recently. He is probably best watched today. John Best's Folkestone bumper winner Green Iceni who was well held on his debut over timber at Hereford last time makes most appeal of the remainder but we are happy to stick with Easter Present.
