ridden along in last, jumped slowly 16th, beaten before 2 out, kept on flat, just failed for second
tracked winner, not fluent 5th and 13th, pressed winner 16th, beaten before 18th, kept on flat, just held on for second
jumped well, made all, pressed from 16th, ridden clear after 17th, ridden out comfortable
Another disappointing turn out but Cold encounter can round off the day in good style and he is fancied to get the better of previous course and distance winner Proper Squire, who edges out Lord Seamus for the forecast slot on the grounds of fitness. However, he in turn, may find Cold Encounter too lively to deal with if the selection turns up in the same frame of mind that saw him comfortably hold progressive chaser Celioso at Bangor recently. That form looks solid in the context of this race and despite the likelihood of tactics playing a huge part, Cold Encounter has enough scope to ease home under his penalty this afternoon.
