keen in mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
held up mid-division, good headway on inner approaching 3 out, slight lead after 2 out, not quicken and headed after last
held up, headway after 5th, no impression from 3 out
mistake 1st, in touch until 4th, soon tailed off
in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
held up towards rear, staying on when blundered and unseated rider
led until 3 out, pressed leaders until weakened after 2 out
in touch, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, good headway to chase leaders 2 out, kept on run-in
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on
held up, stayed on from 3 out, never dangerous
always towards rear, tailed off
mid-division, good headway after 5th, switched left to press leader approaching 2 out, quickened clear run-in, easily
held up towards rear, stayed on well from 3 out, not reach leaders
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, led 3 out, ridden and headed after next, weakened
always behind
prominent and keen, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
chased leaders, ridden after 5th, weakened quickly
in touch, headway after 5th, ridden and weakening when fell
Nicky Henderson has strong claims here running both All Star and Royal Katidoki, Mick Fitzgerald has opted to ride the last named and we will stick with his choice ahead of the Pipe newcomer Cimmaroon. Royal Katidoki was well backed for last season's Triumph Hurdle but never made the race, however he shaped with promise on his British debut, chasing home the subsequent Triumph winner Made In Japan. He hasn't raced since that February event but if fit should be capable of taking this prize. Stable companion All Star finished second to Green Prospect at Bangor last time, showing a fair amount of ability, however he will need to improve further to win the much tougher event. Cimmaroon will no doubt have been well prepared by his shrewd handler so should be monitored for any significant market moves. But he may have to be very special to win this event and so we will stick with known form and give the vote to Royal Katidoki.
