led to 4th, hit and weakened from 9th
chased leaders, chased winner 8th, ridden 2 out, soon beat
tracked leaders, led 4th, clear when not fluent final furlong, easily
keen early, always behind, pulled up after 4 out
in touch until weakened 9th, pulled up before 11th
Fundamentalist is given the confident vote to win at the first time of asking over fences, with Alfy Rich and Zurs rating the main dangers. The selection won well at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen over hurdles. He has reportedly schooled well over fences and he need only jump round to score. Alfy Rich rates the main danger as he has won his last two races in good style over hurdles but he was rated over 30 pounds inferior to the selection and will need to improve significantly for his switch to fences to cause a shock. Zurs at least has experience of the larger obstacles but he will need to improve on his latest second behind Caislean Ui Cuain to trouble the principals. Of the remainder, Toad Hall is from a yard in form and is worth noting in the market but for the winner we return to Fundamentalist who is impossible to oppose, and who can take this en-route to being aimed at next year¿s Royal & SunAlliance Chase.