in touch, headway 9th, ridden and every chance when fell 2 out
close up, ridden to dispute lead 3 out, narrow leader 2 out, kept on well
ridden when challenged 3 out, soon headed and weakened
held up rear, headway 11th, ridden and every chance 2 out, pecked, soon one pace
prominent, ridden to dispute lead 3 out, every chance 2 out, not run on
held up rear, ridden and outpaced from 4 out
held up rear, behind from 5 out
Alexanderthegreat looks the one to beat in this novices' chase and he is taken to score at the main expense of Tribal Venture and Distant Thunder. The selection won well on his chasing debut in a competitive race at Exeter when beating Limerick Leader. He looked like he needed the run that day on his seasonal reappearance and with conditions to suit here he is the clear form pick. Tribal Venture was returning from a break when beating Flight Command at Wetherby last time. However, he has his problems and he will need to improve again to take this. Distant Thunder ran a cracker behind Cornish Rebel last time at Newbury, and the winner franked that form with a narrow win at Cheltenham yesterday. The softer the ground the better for Distant Thunder and he looks sure to run a big race. A Glass in Thyne won well last time and is another to consider, but for the winner we return to Alexanderthegreat.
