prominent, led 5th to 9th, hit 13th, ridden 2 out, weakened last
in touch, headway 7th, hit 3 out, ridden next, weakened approaching last
led 1st to 5th, led again 9th, ridden clear when mistake last, comfortably
led to 1st, stayed prominent, hit 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off from 11th
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, lost touch from 10th, soon tailed off
Henrietta Knight has farmed this event in recent years, winning it with Edredon Bleu 1998-2001 and Best Mate last year and it looks as though it will be the same again this year, although with the likes of Valley Henry and a couple of last years leading novices in opposition it should at least prove more competitive than his has in recent years. Reported to have done really well over the summer, last years champion has come back "stronger than ever" according to his trainer and if that is the case, it is going to take something special to beat him in all the top races. Valley Henry is a high-class chaser in his own right, but one can't help feeling he is still something of an underachiever. He won't be inconvenienced by this trip around here and if Best Mate is less than 100%, he will be the one to take advantage. Jair Du Cochet has taken well to chasing and may well have landed the prestigious Royal & Sun Alliance Chase had he been ridden closer to the pace. He comes here fit and well having won a three-runner contest in France, but this is a big question he is being asked here. La Landiere did nothing but improve through last season having been beaten by the high-class Impek here over an extended two-miles, a trip which has proved to be on the sharp side for her. The winner of the Racing Post and the Cathcart last season, she is clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with this term but she does have something to find at this level. Strong Magic and Venn Ottery are hopelessly outclassed. So, in what will be a race to savour, Best Mate is taken to follow up last years win at the expense of Valley Henry.
