led, ridden and headed after 4 out, beaten when hit 2 out
bumped and stumbled start, tracked leader, ridden and mistake 4 out, no impression next
tracked leader, challanged 5 out, led after next, ridden and drew clear approaching last, driven out
held up, closed on leader 4th, weakening when bad mistake 5 out, tailed off
held up, behind when jumped right 6th, soon struggling, tailed when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
Cenkos and Lady Cricket look the two to focus on here, something borne out by official ratings. The former is rated 169 and the latter 164, and then the next best in the field, Kadarann, is on 152. The original intention was to keep Cenkos, who won the Tingle Creek Trophy Chase on his only run this year, fresh for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, for which he is the current favourite. However, he is said to be extremely well and, with the Queen Mother still over a month away, connections felt it a good idea to run. However, the game, consistent and admirable Lady Cricket will not make it easy for him. The only course and distance winner in the race, she battled back bravely to beat Shamawan (who was in receipt of 22lbs) to win at Cheltenham on 25 January and, because she is more likely to represent value in the race, gets the vote. Even at this stage, she has to be considered for a place in the Queen Mother. Nicholls also runs. Nicholls also runs Kadarann, who attracted money for the Queen Mother, something that amused his handler. Progressive and still only six, he looks third best in the race. Castle Prince is out of his depth while Just Jasmine has solid handicap form but ought not to be good enough for this.
