in touch, headway approaching 4 out, led last, shaken up and ran on well, readily
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, left in lead briefly 4 out, pressed leader, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden 4 out, mistake next, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
led, 2 lengths clear and still going well when fell 4 out
chased leaders until 3rd, soon behind
held up towards rear, headway after 4th, ridden to press leaders approaching last, kept on
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, mistake 2 out, headed last, kept on but not pace of winner
mid-division until 4th, soon behind
tracked leaders, close 4th when badly hampered 4 out, kept on same pace
Useful on the flat in Germany, Dictum, who showed promise on his hurdling debut when chasing home Howle Hill, opened his account in fine style in heavy ground at Ascot last month but may struggle to follow up under today's conditions so our vote goes to Vintage Premium, who is preferred to Albuhera. The last mentioned has already won five times over hurdles and has been given a break since disappointing behind Perle de Puce at Ascot in December. He has claims under just an 8lb penalty but Vintage Premium is preferred. Richard Fahey's gelding is coming to hurdling late in his career but has shown decent form in both starts so far finishing second behind Chivalry on his debut before running creditably when third to Archie Babe at Wetherby in November. The seven-year-old has been given a break since then and the fact that connections are persevering with him and have booked Tony McCoy is a hint worth taking. Nicky Henderson's King Eider has failed to deliver in two starts so far but should not be discounted lightly while Cooldine King is another worthy of a mention now that the stable of Paul Webber is back among the winners. However, Vintage Premium has shown plenty of promise in his two starts so far and is taken to open his account over hurdles.
