held up and keen, headway approaching 4th, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened next
with leader, led 6th to 7th, led again 9th, ridden and headed 3 out, every chance approaching last, one pace flat
led to 6th, led again 7th to 9th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd flat
in touch, ridden after 9th, weakened quickly
keen, chased leaders to 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up and keen, headway after 9th, ridden to lead 3 out, headed after 2 out, weakened flat
mid-division, headway 9th, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up, mistake 9th, effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
keen, mid-division, headway after 3rd, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
in touch, led after 2 out, driven out
mid-division, ridden when blundered 3 out, soon weakened
Prince of The Wood comes here on a hat-trick but has not raced over hurdles since September and recent flat form is not too inspiring so preference is for Mini Dare, who gets the vote over Jiver. The selection got bogged down in the mud behind Dd's Glenalla at Warwick last time but still ran well and on earlier form holds solid claims, especially with Tony McCoy taking the ride. Topweight Spring Pursuit is a consistent performer and is entitled to be thereabouts but may be in the grip of the handicapper at present. The Venetia Williams-trained Tribal Dancer reverts to hurdling after a spell over fences and looks to be on a fair mark so is another worthy of a mention, along with the reappearing Reflex Blue. A bigger threat may come from Michael Scudamore's Jiver, who was outclassed in a better race at Cheltenham last time but had won well in a handicap at Huntingdon previously. A 5lb higher mark here leaves the six-year-old with more to do though and preference is for Mini Dare, who is taken to resume winning ways.
