not fluent, held up in touch, headway after 6th, blundered next, driven and effort 2 out, one pace flat
tracked leaders, led 3rd, blundered and headed next, outpaced 8th
close up, led 2nd to 3rd, led again next, ridden approaching last, stayed on strongly
tracked leaders, weakened quickly 6th, behind when pulled up before next
held up in touch, outpaced 8th, behind when blundered badly 2 out
towards rear, never dangerous
led to 2nd, dropped rear 6th, poor 5th when fell 4 out
Seven runners, but only two who can be seriously fancied, both of them Arkle entries. Byron Lamb is a useful individual in his own right, having picked up a couple of minor events either side of a comprehensive beating by The Bajan Bandit. While he will win more races in the future, he faces a formidable rival in the shape of Vol Solitaire, who is a rare runner at this venue for trainer Paul Nicholls. The five-year-old has tackled some of the best chasers around and for a young horse has plenty of experience over the larger obstacles. He has plenty in hand of Byron Lamb on official figures and he is taken to book his place at the Festival. Lauderdale and The Tinker can fight out the minor honours.