soon well behind, lost touch after 7th, tailed off
in touch, pushed along after 10th, headway to chase winner approaching 2 out, kept on for clear 2nd but no impression
several slow jumps, held up in rear, struggling 11th, kept on run-in but no chance
chased leaders, 5th and weakening when blundered 2 out
chased leader, effort and upsides 4 out, not fluent and weakened from next
led and soon clear, jumped right 2nd, not fluent 5th (water), headed 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, eased run-in
held up in 6th place, ridden and weakened after 11th
tracked leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, easily
A terrific novice chase starts the card and we will give the vote to Locksmith, with Sleep Bal, Foreman and Kauto Star all capable of taking a hand in the finish. Martin Pipe's four-year-old looked a natural over the larger obstacles when beating today's rival Sleep Bal by a comfortable three and a half lengths. As that was his first venture over fences there should be improvement to come. Sleep Bal is entitled to get closer at today's weights and rates a big danger. As does Foreman, a top class hurdler, who will have been well schooled and has the assistance of Tony McCoy. Kauto Star landed a valuable hurdle at Auteuil in May and is now with a top British yard for his chase debut. Misterthetrixter and Marble Arch are also very talented individuals and can be given every chance, so in a very open contest Locksmith gets the nod, but only just
