tracked leaders, dropped to 4th at 3rd, ridden 5th, weakened next
keen, soon led, ridden 4 out, headed soon after 3 out, weakened after last
held up in touch, chased leader 4th, joined leader 3 out, soon led, ridden and ran on flat
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2 out, driven, and kept on one pace from last
Spidam has obvious claims and is taken to get the better of Caribou and Kingkohler, with Hutch up against it. Spidam has shaped well on both starts over fences to date, finishing runner-up on both occasions. It has to be said that he was unlucky at Taunton, as Ruby Walsh dropped his whip with two to jump, and he found only the odds-on Desert Air too good next time at Plumpton. With form like that, it is hard to escape his chances here. Caribou has not looked as impressive since going chasing, although he has more experience than the selection, and has at least won round here over timber in the past. He has a bit more scope than Kingkohler who was not rated as high as him over hurdles, but who to be fair, did come up against a useful sort in Lennon at Catterick the time before last. Hutch has little chance on past evidence, and all in all, it is Spidam that makes the most appeal.
Hutch 25-1 (11-2) In touch, moderate 4th when blundered badly and unseated rider at the 7th in race won by Aviation (10-9) at Catterick 2m nov chs (4) gd, 6 ran.
Kingkohler (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, slipped 5th, ridden 4 out, one pace, 4th of 11, 14l behind Rehearsal (11-4) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Caribou (FR) 7-2 (10-10) Chased leader, led 5th, headed approaching 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 6, 16l behind Glasker Mill (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Spidam (FR) 11-8 (10-11) Tracked winner from 2nd, challenged 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Desert Air (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 1f beg chs (4) hvy.
