jumped left, led to after 7th, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up approaching 3 out
chased leaders, hit 7th, ridden after 4 out, soon no chance with front pair
chased leaders, hit 4th, challenging for 3rd, no chance with front pair when slipped on bend before 3 out, weakned soon after
held up, headway to track leaders 7th, chased winner next, driven and effort 3 out, no extra final 100 yards
not jumped well, always in rear, tailed off 8th, pulled up before 3 out
chased leader, led after 7th, made rest, driven after last, stayed on strongly and in command final 100 yards
Pauillac has the potential to put his elders to the sword and, even though he will not be a great price for one so inexperienced, David Pipe's charge may prove to be cut from different cloth to William Bonney and Cathedral Rock. Tony McCoy will be tipping the scales at almost his minimum weight (possibly a result of his fasting to get down to 10st-4lb for the ride aboard Abrigante in the Hennessey), which is a big clue on its own. However, Pauillac follows a tried and trusted path and is expected to make the effort worthwhile. William Bonney is capable over timber and knows what to do when he gets his head in front. Any rain before the off will suit Charlie Mann's gelding and a big run can be expected. Cathedral Rock has a big frame to fill and has always looked a chaser in the making. he will no doubt be better for the experience but should be followed with interest as he sets out on the next chapter of his career. However, Pauillac gets a handy 7lb from his main rivals and, at the weights, he looks a stand out proposition today.
Back Among Friends 11-1 (11-2) Made all, clear approaching 2nd, ridden and stumbled 2 out, jumped left last, ridden out, won at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb beating Boomshakalaka (11-2) by 12l, 12 ran.
Cathedral Rock (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, 10th of 16, 30l behind Albertas Run (10-9) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Mar.
Shardakhan (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Ballyshan (10-2) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) hvy in Mar.
William Bonney (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Always in rear, 9th of 16, 23l behind Albertas Run (10-9) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Mar.
A Double Ewe Bee 5-1 (10-0) Held up, headway 4th, went 2nd at the 6th, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner from next, 2nd of 10, 22l behind Nayodabayo (10-13) at N Abbot 2m 3f sll hdl (5) gs in Jul.
Pauillac (FR) 22-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, hit 2nd, weakened 4th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Katchit (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar, 23 ran.
