chased winner to 9th, ridden after 13th weakening when pecked 4 out
held up, headway 7th, stumbled badly 4 out, weakened next
made all, hit 4 out, mistake 3 out and next, ridden out
prominent, chased winner from 9th, every chance but not fluent 3 out, edged left next, stayed on
held up, ridden 8th, behind from next, pulled up before 10th
chased leaders early, lost place 7th, behind when pulled up after 9th
held up, mistake 10th, headway after 13th, stayed on approaching 2 out, hung right and kept on flat
prominent to 8th, lost touch after 11th, behind when pulled up before 13th
held up in touch, headway after 4th, weakened 12th
The Tall Guy is fancied to get the better of the likes of Royal China, Pillar of Fire and Twice As Good. The Tall Guy had the distinction of beating Intersky Falcon on his bumper debut at Ayr two years ago, but had not progressed as hoped. However, there was a lot to like about his gutsy effort at Newbury in November, and although his jumping needs to improve, the seven-year-old still has time to make his mark. Nothing in this field should hold any fears for him, and with the fast ground in his favour, he gets the vote. Royal China was a fair fourth behind Flinder's Chase on his fencing debut at Exeter last month. He is one of the least exposed in the field, having had only five career outings to date and comes from a stable that excel with their jumpers. Kim Bailey's runners are doing quite well without hitting the heights, so Twice As Good, who has not progressed as expected, may just sneak into a place at a fair price. Pillar of Fire can only improve as well, but The Tall Guy is still the one to beat.
