held up, headway 11th, blundered 13th, soon weakened
chased leaders, went 2nd 10th, ridden after 3 out, one pace flat
behind, mistake 10th, ridden and headway, jumped right from 3 out, no extra flat
chased leaders to 5th, soon behind
keen, led 2nd, ridden approaching last, ran on
in touch, went 2nd 7th until after next, weakened 9th
led to 2nd, chased winner to 7th, ridden after 14th, 4th and weakening when mistake and unseated rider 3 out
The partnership of last year's champion point-to-point rider, Richard Burton, and the unexposed Hot Toddy are expected to be a formidable pairing in this company. Even though Denvale and Red Square Lad are capable of giving them something to think about on the way. The last named has not been seen under rules since he finished down the field behind Monet's Garden in a novices' hurdle a year and a half ago. However, he has thrived in the pointing fields of late and was far from disgraced in finishing second to the well regarded Border Fusion at Tanatside last month. The nine-year-old still has a fair bit more to offer and is one to seriously consider if he is supported today. Similar comments apply to Denvale, who was a convincing winner at Horseheath on his penultimate start. However, he was made to look slightly one paced when he was tried in a men's open last time and he now has a little to prove. Therefore the vote goes to Hot Toddy, as he remains on an upwards curve and looks ready for a crack at this sort of contest. Burton already knows plenty about the son of Glacial Storm having guided him to a smooth success at Ampton last month. The rain soaked conditions did nothing to dampen his performance on that occasion and, as he is yet to really be asked a serious question, we are more than happy to stick with Hot Toddy for the time being.
Beauchamp Oracle 2-1 2nd of 12, 6l behind Cannon Bridge at Howick 3m ptp gf in Feb.
Denvale (IRE) Evensfav 2nd of 5, 15l behind Swincombe at Marks Tey 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Hot Toddy (IRE) 11-4fav won at Kingston Blount 3m ptp gd in Feb beating Finder Keeps by 6l, 12 ran.
Pistol Knight 14-1 Behind, ridden 7th, lost touch 10th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Free Gift at Folkestone 2m 5f hts chs (H) gf in May, 8 ran.
Red Square Lad (IRE) 7-1 2nd of 12, 7l behind Border Fusion at Eyton-On-severn 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Smokey Robot (IRE) 10-1 pulled up in race won by Gunnaballright at Kingston Blount 3m ptp sft in May, 9 ran.
Annie Dipper 7-4fav 3rd of 9, 20l behind Mollycarrs Gambul at Buckfastleigh 3m ptp gd in Feb.
