tracked leader, hit 4th, with leader 5th and 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened
held up and raced wide, smooth headway 3 out, led approaching last, shaken up flat and soon clear
tracked leaders, closer order after 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed approaching last, soon held
swerved left start, led, ridden when headed approaching 2 out, one pace
held up in touch, ridden and lost place approaching 6th, soon well behind
Disappointingly the likes of Intersky Falcon and Rooster Booster do not run now but there is still plenty of quality on show for this valuable event with the vote going to Rigmarole, who is preferred to Trouble At Bay and Nawamees. The last mentioned has the benefit of race fitness over the majority of his rivals having won a handicap at Wetherby last week. Having gone there fit from the flat, there might not be that much improvement to come from Gary Moore's gelding and a safer bet looks to be Rigmarole. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding was a progressive performer last term and although ultimately falling short of the ability to play a part in the finish of the Champion Hurdle the son of Fairy King was still one of last seasons leading hurdlers. He may have too much class for Trouble At Bay, who did little wrong last term until disappointing when favourite for the Triumph Hurdle. It will be interesting to see how he copes against older horses this term and Alan King's gelding is one to watch closely with an eye to the future. The likes of Do L'Enfant d'Eau, Dictum and Genuine Article are all useful horses in their own right but do not have the same class as Rigmarole who gets the vote to make a winning return.
