pressed winner to 4 out, 12 lengths down in 3rd and outpaced when fell 3 out
made all, drew clear from 4 out, unchallenged
raced keenly, tracked leaders, hit 2nd, 3 lengths down in 3rd when fell heavily 8th
held up, left 3rd 8th, went 2nd before 3 out, no chance with winnner
Modicum gets the confident vote here with Marodima and Nevertika rating the main dangers. The selection was only 10 lengths behind Tidal Bay last time out, that form is rock solid and under conditions that suit he need only put in a clear round to score. Morodima rates the main danger as he beat Muthenbar last time out but this looks tougher and he will do well to give weight and a beating to the selection. Nevertika has improved with each run this season but he took a heavy fall last time out and it is hard to know if his confidence would have been affected. Cedrus Libani will make a bold bid to make all but is one paced at the end of his races while Hush Tiger looks outclassed and for the winner we return to Modicum who has plenty going for him today.
Cedrus Libani (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up, pushed along after 4th, weakened approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, unseated last, remounted, last of 8, well behind Big Buck's (11-3) at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd.
Marodima (FR) 1-2fav (11-8) Tracked leader, left clear 6th, soon in command, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m nov chs (3) sft in Mar beating Muhtenbar (10-12) by 22l, 4 ran.
Nevertika (FR) 7-1 (10-9) Took keen hold, towards rear, pushed along 11th, ridden and beaten when fell 4 out in race won by Natal (10-1) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar, 10 ran.
Hush Tiger 15-8fav (10-10) Tracked leaders until ridden and weakened from 2 out, 4th of 7, 10l behind John Forbes (11-4) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
Modicum (USA) 40-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, mistake 7th, went 3rd 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Tidal Bay (11-4) at Aintree 2m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gd.
