chased leaders, not fluent 5th, pushed along after 7th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
always prominent, not fluent 3rd, led 3 out, soon clear, blundered last, easily
held up in touch, hit 4th, ridden after 6th, 3rd and beaten when jumped left 2 out
chased leaders until 3rd, lost touch before 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, not fluent 2nd, well behind from next, tailed off
led and took keen hold, clear 4th until 7th, headed 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 4th, no impression from 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Nonrunner
Nyrche probably has the best form on offer but mat not be able to concede 3lbs to the unexposed Mr President, who gets the vote with Kilgowan rated the best of the remainder. The selection stepped up on the form of his only start of last term when landing a novices' event here over an extended two miles earlier this month. With further improvement to come from the Venetia Williams-trained gelding, he gets the vote ahead of Nyrche. Alan King's gelding has been found wanting in better races of late and this is more his level so the son of Medaaly has to be respected. Charlie Mann's Versus stayed every yard of the trip when successful at Folkestone in a maiden hurdle last time but this looks tougher and a bigger threat may come from Kilgowan. The Ian Williams-trained gelding stepped up on his debut effort over hurdles when winning at Leicester last time and cannot be discounted lightly. Hashid and Raven's Last are others worthy of a mention but Mr President looks to be progressing the right way and he makes most appeal.
