led 1st, stayed prominent until weakened before 9th
led 2nd, blundered 9th, headed before 10th, soon weakened
behind, reminders after 6th, weakened 8th, soon beaten
in touch, effort and every chance 4 out, weakened after next
held up mid-division, mistake 8th, soon under pressure and one pace afterwards
held up towards rear, headway after 9th, disputed lead 2 out, every chance last, stayed on well, just held flat
close up, led before 4 out, headed just before 3 out and unseated rider
held up towards rear, headway 9th, disputed lead 3 out, weakened before 2 out
jumped right in rear, always behind
close up, disputed lead 3 out, narrow leader 2 out, kept on well under pressure flat, all out finish
held up in touch, ridden and weakened after 9th, pulled up before 3 out
A competitive handicap chase with several of the 11 runners holding claims including Regal Exit, Spring Grove and Ivanoph but the vote goes to Tango Royal, who is the selection to take advantage of a lenient mark. Martin Pipe's gelding has not run over fences for a year but won a couple of races over hurdles earlier in the season and made a highly satisfactory comeback over timber at Newton Abbot last week. That run should have put the French-bred gelding spot on for this and, off a favourable mark, he looks worth a bet. Korakor should be ready for this after a couple of pipe openers but may have had his confidence knocked by a fall at Wetherby last time and a bigger threat may come from the reappearing Regal Exit. Nicky Henderson has his string in good form at present and this son of Exit To Nowhere remains unexposed over fences. He will not mind any further rain and has to be respected. Venetia Williams normally has her runners fit after an absence so Trouble Ahead should not be dismissed lightly but, at the age of 12, probably does not have much improvement left in him. Spring Grove has more to do than when winning at Lingfield earlier in the month, while Ivanoph looks to be in the grip of the handicapper. Leaburn has been off for 609 days and does not appear to be well treated for his return so we side with Tango Royal to make a winning return to chasing.
