chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, kept on from next, no impression
always towards rear, blundered 4 out
made all, clear after last
chased winner until weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, chased leaders 6th, outpaced from 3 out
tracked leaders and keen, one pace from last, edged left flat
held up in touch, blundered and unseated rider 13th
in rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 4 out, outpaced 2 out
held up, chased winner 14th, stayed on from last, no chance with winner
always towards rear, struggling from 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
Joe Blake is selected ahead of Lord Who and Natiain. The selection was a very useful performer under rules in his day and wasn't beaten too far in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham last season. Connections have clearly been patient with him as he missed this year's renewal and if he can deliver anything similar to that form, it should suffice at this level. Lord Who is not the tidiest of fencers and he could not fail to miss when Birkwood crashed out at Ayr last month. This looks a tougher assignment and completely different as far as the make up of the race is concerned. Natiain is bred to handle cut in the ground but appears comfortable on any surface. The front-runner made all to land his most recent race between the flags and can be expected to make a bold bid here. Patricksnineteenth shaped with amazing promise a few years ago but his career under rules was blighted by training troubles. He has the ability to win a race of this nature but he is clearly a fragile and therefore, shaky betting medium. Coomakista was turned over at 1-5 at Corbridge last month over a similar trip. Wildfield Rufo and Aelred both lost their way under rules and have switched to the pointing sphere in the hope of changing their fortunes. Joe Blake has the worries of age and absence to contend with but this class act would be difficult to oppose if taking his chance in tip top condition.
Kiora Bay 11-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, led 2 out, ridden clear from last, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov hts chs (5) gd in May beating Shraden Edition (11-7) by 7l, 6 ran.
Lord Who (IRE) 7-4jt-fav (11-9) Chased leader, not fluent 10th and 11th, hit next, joined leader 4 out, upsides when left well clear 3 out, won at Ayr 3m 1f hts chs (6) sft in Mar beating Jacksonville (11-12) by a distance, 4 ran.
Natiain 4-9fav (12-5) Made all; lft clr 2 out; easy, won at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Albatros (12-5) by 5l, 7 ran.
Aelred 4-1 (12-0) Led 2-10; one-pcd frm 2 out, 3rd of 5, 15l behind Majed (12-0) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Coomakista 1-5fav (12-0) A handy; went 2nd 16; chall last; just failed, 2nd of 4, hd behind Place Above (12-7) at Corbridge 3m 5f ptp gd in Mar.
Joe Blake (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) In touch, left 2nd at 16th, led soon after 3 out, ridden 3 lengths clear between last 2, headed last, weakened flat, 3rd of 10, 11l behind Knife Edge (11-11) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (4) gd.
Maitre Levy (GER) 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, mistake 14th, pushed along before 4 out, chasing leaders and about 4 lengths down when fell 2 out in race won by Scots Grey (12-2) at Newbury 3m hts chs (6) gd in Mar, 13 ran.
Patricksnineteenth (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Cloudy Lane (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-140 (2) gs in Mar, 24 ran.
Scenic Storm (IRE) 5-1 (12-5) (cp) a in tch; led 3 out-last; rdn & no ex nr fin, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Jupiter's Fancy (11-12) at Hutton Rudby 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Wildfield Rufo (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Soon behind and outpaced, lost footing halfway, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Bica (11-5) at Wetherby 3m 1f hts chs (6) gs in Feb, 9 ran.
