held up in last pair, pushed along after 9th, closed next, outpaced after 11th, weakened 4 out
led until 11th, outpaced 3 out, 3rd and no extra when not fluent 2 out
held up in last pair, closed 10th, a little awkward on landing 4 out, weakened before 2 out
always prominent, led 11th, clear flat, stayed on well
2nd until after 3rd, tracked leaders, 2nd again 4 out, every chance 2 out, driven approaching last, beaten flat
Flying Angel is a smart chaser when getting his own way. He won the Grade 1 Manifesto Chase at Aintree in April when Frodon, who meets on the same terms, was tailed off. He also has the beating of Knockgraffon on their run together in the Kingmaker at Warwick in February but has failed to complete in four of his last seven starts. BLACK CORTON (NAP) has a terrific career strike-rate and is best in small fields. Though Bryony Frost can't claim her allowance in this, her mount is still receiving plenty of weight from all-bar the disappointing Sizing Tennessee and could win again.
Flying Angel (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) Led to 9th, tracked leader, lost place when blundered badly and good recovery by rider 5 out, behind from next, weakened and pulled up before 2 out, at Ayr 2m 4f (1) gd in Apr.
Frodon (FR) 5-1 (11-4) Led, headed 5 out, ridden and weakened before 3 out, 5th of 6, dist behind Flying Angel (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gd in Apr.
Knockgraffon (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, not fluent 7th, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, dist behind Flying Angel (11-4) at Warwick 2m (1) hvy in Feb.
Black Corton (FR) 4-7fav (11-12) Jumped well, tracked leader, led 9th, quickened tempo 11th, 1 length ahead going well 3 out, went further clear before last easily, won at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gf in Aug beating Forever Field (11-6) by 14l, 3 ran.
Sizing Tennessee (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, lost place when blundered 5 out, in rear when blundered and pulled up after next, at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gs in Mar.