hampered 1st, jumped slowly 7th, lost place after 11th, ridden to go prominent 4 out, mistake next and eased, pulled up before 2 out
hampered and brought down 1st
hampered 1st, held up, not fluent 3rd, headway after 11th, went 2nd 3 out, ridden next, one pace when left well clear last
held up in touch, not fluent 5th, headway approaching 7th, joined leader 10th, led 4 out, pushed along and three lengths clear when fell last
hampered and brought down 1st
in touch, mistake 4 out, soon lost place, ridden after next, soon beaten
left in lead after 1st, headed 4 out, ridden and weakened next, left 2nd last
prominent, lost place 8th, ridden next, weakened after 4 out
A cracking start to the card, with plenty of experience on display. One of those veterans, Granby Bell will love the sound surface, gets the trip well, but looks to be exposed at the moment, while the other eleven-year-old, The Land Agent would perhaps prefer a touch more cut and after his disappointing effort last time now looks to be on the downgrade. Bush Park is one who loves genuine good jumping ground. The Robert Alner-trained gelding defeated Strong Magic at Uttoxeter a month ago, but looked to be exposed in defeat at Chepstow last time. Strong Gale's progeny usually love decent underfoot conditions and Mighty Strong is no exception. This big, bold chasing type has had his jumping problems though and he is another who looks to be in the handicapper's grip. Clear Skies can go well fresh but prefers cut and the same can be said of Grand Gousier, though the latter is a capable animal and is dropping back towards a winning mark. So two against the field here are Merchants Friend and Ashley Muck. The former was a very easy winner at Plumpton on his only start in England and although this looks a fair bit tougher, a 7lb rise might not be enough to stop him going in again, although he would surely prefer more juice in the ground. So the TEAMtalk vote goes to Ashley Muck. Likely to try and make all under Tony McCoy, the nine-year-old went from strength to strength under the care of Martin Pipe last season, chalking up five wins in succession. With no doubts about the trip, McCoy is likely to make this a test for his rivals and on his favourite surface, he can score here.
