held up, headway from 15th, ridden to chase winner approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
led until 17th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
jumped badly right throughout, held up behind leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on to go 2nd at the last, no chance with winner
prominent until 15th, soon driven along, stayed on to go 3rd approaching last
tracked leaders, led 4 out, drew clear after 3 out, easily
A shame for the racecourse that so few entries were received for this contest but Indien Royal should make no mistake against Curtins Hill. Indien Royal invariably takes a keen hold in his races but he always looked as if he needed further than the two miles he had largely been campaigned over. In spite of that tendency to pull hard, he made few errors when beating Ice Crystal and he should be capable of the follow-up. Curtins Hill finished second to Whitenzo in the Grand Military Gold Cup. He has ability even at his advanced years but struggles to win. Dunster Castle's better performances have often been in smaller fields. He may not be able to lead today as he would prefer to do. Treasurelier and Tell Tale have it all to do on all recent evidence. Indien Royal has plenty of class and will be difficult to beat if putting in a clear round.
Indien Royal (FR) 9-4 Always going well, held up, smooth headway to lead 3 out, soon clear, easily, won at Wincanton 3m 1f beg chs (D) gs beating Ice Crystal by 11l, 5 ran.
Dunster Castle 10-1 Led to after 14th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bathwick Annie at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Jan, 7 ran.
Curtins Hill (IRE) 4-1 Held up in touch, mistake 9th, headway to chase winner from 16th, ridden 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Whitenzo at Sandown 3m amt chs (E) gs.
Treasulier (IRE) 20-1 Led, headed 12th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 4th of 12, 10l behind Red Devil Robert at Taunton 3m beg chs (E) gs.
Tell Tale (IRE) 15-2 Prominent, lost place 15th, good headway to track leaders from 4 out, chased winner next, every chance last, one pace flat, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind General Tantrum at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd.
