towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
not fluent, held up towards rear, mistake 5th, outpaced 12th, stayed on to take remote 3rd run in, no impression on winner
held up in touch, headway to chase winner 10th, mistake 11th, blundered and unseated rider next
prominent to 8th, soon dropped rear, outpaced from 12th
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
led 2nd, headed 8th, mistake 10th, outpaced after 12th
tracked leaders, led 8th, drew clear from 2 out easily
held up in rear, mistake 6th, headway halfway, left 2nd 12th, no chance from 2 out
A small field goes to post for this beginners chase and it looks a straightforward opportunity for the high class hurdler Royal Emperor to make a winning debut over fences. The Sue Smith gelding was head and shoulders above these over hurdles, and is sure to have been well-schooled for this his chasing debut. The odds will be prohibitive but he is sure to take all the beating. Cruise Leader looks the one to follow the selection home. However, he has a long absence to overcome, and he may need this, his first run in 1013 days. Loudy Rowdy would have place claims on his fair second behind Shelu but he will need to improve significantly to beat the confident selection Royal Emperor.
