led, ridden after 2 out, joined last, soon headed, still every chance 100 yards out, held towards finish
tracked leader, not fluent 1st, ridden, lost 2nd and unable to quicken after 3 out, rallied final 100 yards, almost took 2nd
tracked leaders, 2nd after 3 out, ridden to challenge last, soon led, edged left flat, in command towards finish
chased leaders, niggled along before 4th, outpaced 3 out, weakened next
Reigning Supreme was successful over track and trip in November but tailed off, along with The Poodle Faker, when a short-priced favourite in the race won by Full Irish at Leicester last month. Coastal Tiep was second to a useful sort in a handicap at Kempton last time. That run came after a break and he should strip fitter here so can't be ignored but we’ll give another chance to STRONG PURSUIT. Far too keen when tried over 3m in a Grade 2 at Doncaster, the drop back in distance will suit Philip Hobbs’ novice who had looked a nice prospect earlier at Wincanton and Hereford, though he will be even better over fences.
Strong Pursuit (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, pushed along and lost place after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Doncaster 3m (1) gd in Jan.
Coastal Tiep (FR) 11-2 (11-7) Held up in mid-division, pushed along and headway before 2 out, ridden in 3rd before the last where every chance, went 2nd and every chance run-in, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind River Frost (11-10) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Feb.
Reigning Supreme (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, shaken up in 4th before normal 3 out, soon beaten, 4th of 5, dist behind Full Irish (11-2) at Leicester 2m 4f (3) hvy in Feb.
The Poodle Faker 100-1 (11-2) In rear, not fluent 5th, soon outpaced, behind next, last of 5, dist behind Full Irish (11-2) at Leicester 2m 4f (3) hvy in Feb.
