held up towards rear, ridden and weakened approaching 12th, behind when pulled up approaching 3 out
chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, idled running, driven out
chased leaders, hit 4th, a close 2nd when fell 4 out
chased leaders, left 2nd 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, ran on towards finish
held up in rear, driven along 9th, beat when mistake and unseated rider 4 out
King Of The Castle can defy topweight to beat Jallastep and Influential, with Posh Stick a place possible as well. King Of The Castle should appreciate the extra half-mile today after looking one-paced behind Full Irish here in May. Those with long memories will remember this fellow landing the Aintree Champion bumper in 1999, giving Jenny Pitman a winner with her final runner at the Liverpool venue. Since then his fortunes have taken a downward spiral and he has been seen much over the past two years since joining Bruce Mactaggart from Jonjo O'Neill but since being sent over fences has started to sparkle a bit. He ran well enough here last time until tiring at the last and should be a bit fitter now in his bid to get back to winning ways. Graham Lee, who rode the winner of this event last year, has been on board for the nine-year-old's last two outings and so should know what is required. Jallastep was well held by Glinger here but is only lightly-raced over fences and a good performance by the last-named in the 3:50 will advertise his claims. Influential was an easy winner at Cartmel on his last trip across the Irish Sea but has further to travel now, and Posh Stick kept on behind the fairly useful Why The Long Face at Hexham. They may scrap it out for a place but we prefer the claims of King Of The Castle.
