mid-division, headway 11th, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 15th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 4 out
held up towards rear, mistake 6th, steady headway from 10th, tracked leaders 12th, ridden and effort 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 12th, ridden 4 out, led last, headed and no extra close home
chased leaders, led and mistake 4 out, soon headed, switched right approaching last, switched right and strong to lead close home
mid-division, mistake 5th, headway 14th, soon ridden and weakened
chased leaders, reminders approaching 6th, mistake 12th, soon behind, pulled up before 15th
mid-division, driven along 14th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
held up behind, mistake 12th, headway 14th, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on flat
chased leaders, lost place and behind 15th, soon ridden, stayed on again from 4 out, never nearer
chased leaders, lost place from 5th, ridden from 12th, soon beaten
held up towards rear, headway 16th, ridden approaching 4 out, no impression
tracked leader, left in lead 3rd, headed and mistake 4 out, soon ridden, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out
Lord Noelie (IRE) Classy sort, winner of the 2000 Royal & Sun Alliance Chase; ran well on reappearance at Wetherby until falling 3 from home (looked held at the time) but should be straighter now and cannot be ruled out despite topweight.
Commanche Court (IRE) Smart sort at best although was a little below par last term; has been coming to hand in two outings this season and connections expect him to run a big race.
Ad Hoc (IRE) Ran away with the Whitbread in April and is potentially still improving; seems to have ironed out the errors that plagued his early chasing career and is reported well forward for this his seasonal bow.
Behrajan (IRE) Any rain will certainly help Henry Daly's tough stayer who ran a good trial for this when a close third at Haydock a fortnight ago. Did disappoint on only start here though when a beaten odds-on favourite.
What's Up Boys (IRE) Has made the transition to fences from hurdles with the minimum of fuss and is one of the more progressive in the field having ended last term with a good second (behind Ad Hoc) in the Whitbread (now 7lbs better off); has won first time out in the past.
Hindiana (FR) Not disgraced on first attempt at British fences last time but may need more experience at this level before being considered a live contender.
Frantic Tan (IRE) Made giant strides last term before form tailed off at the backend; however didn't look the part on reappearance and a watching brief is advised.
Hati Roy (IRE) Game mare who stays well but might find this a very tough ask; seems to be even better at Cheltenham and may find herself overwhelmed at this level.
Take Control (IRE) Still looks fairly well handicapped and has been well supported ante-post for this event; stable continue in tremendous form but this is asking a lot first time out.
Bindaree (IRE) Should come on for first outing this term at Cheltenham ;has the ground to suit but may just like the necessary class for an event such as this.
Jocks Cross (IRE) Ideally suited by further and would need plenty of rain to fall to give him a chance of handling a likely strong pace; may plod on well through beaten horses and has place hopes at best.
Streamstown (IRE) Improving handicapper who shaped well on reappearance behind Sackville at Wetherby and is expected by connections to improve considerably for the outing; lively each-way hope.
Montifault (FR) Developed into top class novice last term and then routed a good field on reappearance at Wincanton three weeks ago; leading contender who should go close with anticipated improvement from first outing.
Grey Abbey (IRE) One of the most improved horses in training last term and continued his upward path with a sound victory when not fully wound up at Ayr a fortnight ago; there could be more to come and he has a sporting chance of taking the prize.
