held up, mistake 2nd, reminders 6th, blundered next, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
led, mistake and headed 5th, chased leader, hit 8th, ridden and weakened after next, tailed off
always behind, tailed off 8th, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, headway approaching 3 out, effort next, ridden and weakened flat
took keen hold, tracked leaders, hit 2nd, led 5th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace from last
held up in rear, headway 6th, chased leaders 4 out, soon ridden and outpaced, stayed on well under pressure from last
held up, mistake 6th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, never on terms
If taking his chance here, Venn Ottery is unopposable, with Bob's Buster possibly the one to chase him home. The Paul Nicholl-trained gelding has been a revelation of late, so much so that his price has tumbled in the betting for Cheltenham's Queen Mother Champion Chase. He looked like a horse full of confidence when winning at Newbury on Friday so is clearly the one to beat if lining up here. Bob's Buster, a winner from a six-pound lower mark in January, might be the one to take advantage should the selection defect. Transit looks held by Ceresfield on December Musselburgh form. Both look up against it here but Minster Glory could be given a squeak if turning the clock back a couple of years. A similar comment applies to the potentially-well-weighted Monarch's Pursuit. Man Murphy was a useful novice but he has so far failed to progress, while Irish hurdle winner Pittsburgh Phil is unexposed over fences but lacks experience over the larger obstacles. Once again, then, Venn Ottery is hard to oppose and, given a clear round, he ought to land this race.
