in rear, hard ridden 10th, outpaced next, staying on same pace when left poor 3rd and slightly hampered last
steady headway 6th, mistake 11th, challenged and wandered from 2 out, one length 2nd and looked held when blundered and fell last
led 3rd to 11th, weakened approaching 4 out
prominent, blundered and lost place 2nd, went 2nd 5th, led 11th to 3 out, weakened next, left poor 2nd and slightly hampered last
mistake 1st, blundered 8th, effort 4 out, close 3rd and every chance when unseated rider 3 out
led to 3rd, chased leader to 5th, went 2nd approaching 4 out, led 3 out, driven and one length clear when left well clear last
Coral Island has shown little of late but did win from a mark of a mark of 118 just over a year ago so, form a rating of just 100, it would be no surprise for him to be competitive, although this trip is probably short of his optimum. Colquhoun has had his problems although he hinted at being in form when second at Warwick 13 days ago. Duchamp was unlucky at Doncaster last time, having jumped really well until falling three fences from home. Damus - now three pounds better off - was well beaten in the same race, but he was returning from a four-month break. He can't be ruled out but the feeling is that he would not want the going too lively. By contrast, Cornish Gale is at his best on good or better going. Having had a year off through injury, he ought to strip fitter for his Kempton run a month ago. If back to the best of his novice form, he comes strongly into the reckoning. Nicky Henderson's Montpelier has also had his problems, and comes here after a 450-day break. If at his best, he too should feature but may just be sharper for the run. Once again, it's not a straightforward race but we'll opt for Cornish Gale, who should improve for his seasonal reappearance run.
