close up, led after 9th, clear after, unchallenged
tracked leader, ridden and no impression from 2 out
led until headed approaching 6th, hit 8th and soon pushed along, styg on and went 2nd and no impression when fell 2 out
held up, headway to lead approaching 6th until headed after 9th, ridden and left in 2nd after 2 out, no impression
in rear, driven along after 7th, tailed off when pulled up after 9th
Just the five runners in the day's opener although a case can be made for all of the quintet. Likely favourite Dat My Horse comes here on a hat-trick following wins at Hereford and Towcester on his last two starts and can be expected to make a bold bid. However, Pat Murphy's eight-year-old has to give weight away all round and faces no easy task. Jackem has struggled under penalties since opening his account at Fakenham but this is easier, while Strong Arrow, a better chaser than hurdler, will be suited by underfoot conditions and should not be discounted under 11st. Despite winning last time Spirit Of Love is on the downgrade and Saler Sal is something of an unknown quantity having competed in the point-to-point sphere only so far.
