in touch, mistake and weakened quickly 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
took keen hold and held up in rear, steady headway from 12th, challenged 4 out, no extra from 2 out
took keen hold, prominent, tracked from 4th, effort to lead 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well flat
in touch, ridden to lead narrowly 4 out, headed and mistake 2 out, no extra before last
in touch, ridden and blundered 9th, weakened rapidly before 11th, pulled up before 12th
chased leader to 4th, stayed prominent, pushed along from 11th, weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, joined leader 12th, soon every chance, ridden and not quicken 2 out, stayed on to chase winner and not fluent last, no impression flat
held up in rear, behind when blundered badly and nearly unseated rider 8th, no chance after
held up in mid-division until weakened approaching 4 out
always in rear, tailed off 4 out
chased leaders until blundered and lost place 3rd, pulled up before 9th
in touch, effort to track leaders going well approaching 4 out, weakened after next
led to 4 out, soon ridden and weakened after next
held up in touch, mistake 2nd, effort from 12th, mistake 4 out and next, weakened
held up towards rear, struggling and no chance from 4 out, tailed off
The feature race of the day has attracted a very good and competitive line-up, as you would expect for the excellent level of prize-money on offer. There are any number that can be given chances so where do we start in analysing the contest? Topweight Kadarann has already proven himself as a top-class two-miler. However, Ruby Walsh has elected to ride Exit Swinger, here, and this one came back to near his best when winning at Wincanton last time. Hand Inn Hand deservedly landed a valuable Ascot chase last time and his rider has been talking up his chances during the week. Isio beat leading Queen Mother Chase hope, Azertyuiop, by a neck at Ascot last time in a real thriller, although he was receiving a lot of weight on that occasion. He's ben raised six pounds for that win, but remains competitive. Seebald has competed at the highest level but has been disappointing so far this year, while Cyfor Malta, last year's Thomas Pink Gold Cup winner from a three-pound higher mark, has also been out of sorts this year but is now well weighted. Last year's Arkle fourth Farmer Jack has a bit to find with Isio on Ascot form but looked more like himself when scoring at Sandown last time. Turgeonev bounced back to form at Wetherby last time, but this is tougher. Risk Accessor has been raised nine pounds for being beaten a whisker by Fondmort in the Tripleprint Gold Cup, but he too has to be given plenty of respect. Wahiba Sands is another to be well-weighted on his best form while Joly Bey went into many a notebook when scoring easily here on his last run. Add to this the fact that you could also make a case for Europa if he's back to his best and, as we say, it adds up to a marvellous race. For the selection,though, we'll stick with Isio, who can give trainer Nicky Henderson yet another big-race success this season.
