chased leaders, pushed along and hit 8th, kept on from 2 out, blundered last
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, pushed along 3 out, ridden approaching next, kept on to lead flat
in touch, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, no extra when headed flat
Local hero Ei Ei is sure to have plenty of support in this and he, along with Aston Mara, Happycat and Beaver Lodge make this an intriguing contest. This is something of a drop in class for the latter, who is a rather tentative choice in an open contest. A wide margin winner over course and distance last year, he subsequent suffered at the hands of the Handicapper. However, he has finally relented a little and that, combined with a few weeks rest may see him bounce back to form. The one they will all have to get by is Ei Ei, whose fan club gets bigger every week. There are few tougher horses in training than Michael Chapman's eight-year-old, who can run off a 22lbs lower mark over hurdles compared to his chasing mark. Aston Mara confirmed his well-being when running away with a seller last month. He has more too do in this company off a 12lbs higher mark. Happicat, who has gone nearly two years without winning, returns to timber having cut no ice over the larger obstacles. His stable have made a bright start to the new season and he isn't badly treated on the best of his form, so is one to keep an eye on if the market speaks in his favour.
