tracked winner until weakened 3 out
held up, not fluent 8th, soon ridden and beaten
tracked winner, pulled hard, ridden and weakened 9th
held up in touch, chased winner approaching 3 out, one pace from next
close up, mistake 8th, effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened
Everready can benefit from the assistance of Tony McCoy to defy topweight over Mondeed, Ello Ollie and Novatara. Everready has been brought along steadily, progressing through the bumper ranks, and clearly appreciated the step up in trip when opening his account over hurdles at Fakenham 11 days ago. Given a positive ride from the front by Jim Culloty, the six-year-old responded well when challenged by Withthelads, and should be even more effective with a bit further to travel. Mondeed was tailed off when pulled up on his last start at Worcester after his rider lost an iron but was earlier quite impressive at Fakenham, and as he too stays a trip, can be considered as the main danger to the selection. Ello Ollie's last win came over fences two years ago but he is not too badly treated over timber compared to efforts such as that against Contract Scotland at Newcastle in the past. That gives him a squeak for a place, but we have no hesitation in siding with Everready to charge home.