held up, went 3rd 13th, ridden after 4 out, carried left approaching 2 out, 3rd and beaten when fell last
led, not fluent 4th, ridden and headed 13th, dropped rear approaching next, brief effort approaching 3 out, lost 3rd flat
held up, lost ground 8th, jumped right 12th, well behind from next
in touch, not fluent 9th, ridden and outpaced approaching 14th, effort approaching 3 out, beaten when mistake next
tracked leaders, led 13th, jumped right 3 out, went right approaching last, pressed when edged left flat, ran on towards finish
tracked leader, challenged 10th, ridden and edged left approaching 2 out, every chance flat, no extra close home
A very good renewal of the chase that has rapidly developed into a major pointer towards the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup. All bar Supreme Glory hold the entry for the race and a serious challenger to Best Mate could yet emerge from the race. The Pertemps King George VI Chase runner-up Marlborough is the best horse in the race on official ratings and is Nicky Henderson's main Gold Cup hope following the sad loss of Bacchanal, who won this race last year. Chives is very useful. A serious challenger for Grand National honours this year, his 'failure'' to concede Mini Sensation 22lbs in the Welsh National on his last run, has proven to be high-class form. Considered to be at his best on soft going, he can still run well getting weight from the field. The Cathcart winner Royal Auclair is very likeable but looks to have a lot on his plate under his penalties. The 2001 Welsh National winner Supreme Glory is continuing his Grand National build-up and it would be a surprise were he to win here. The jury is out on Valley Henry following his Cheltenham disappointment although he remains a potentially top-class chaser if getting it all together. Trainer Paul Nicholls thinks he might still need to toughen up mentally before he fulfills the potential his undoubted natural ability. On the plus side, he will have the going in his favour today. Truckers Tavern has always been well-regarded by Ferdy Murphy and came good when beating Hussard Collonges in the Peter Marsh Chase, admittedly in receipt of 15lbs. He should go well and, in doing so, we'll get more of an idea of the ability of Peter Beaumont's Gold Cup hope too. A smashing race and Marlborough, officially the best horse in the race gets the vote.
