hampered 1st, held up in rear, one pace and no chance when left poor 3rd 2 out, blundered last
stumbled on landing and fell 1st
tracked leaders, weakened before 3 out, poor 5th when hampered next
held up in 4th, close from 9th, led after 3 out, pressed when left clear 2 out
led to 3rd, tracked leader until led 8th, not fluent 3 out and soon headed, weakened
raced wide, held up in 5th, good headway 9th, effort after 3 out, upsides winner and ridden when fell 2 out
held up in 6th, close up from 9th, no impression on leading pair when left 2nd and slightly hampered 2 out
took keen hold, pressed leader, led 3rd to 8th, losing place when blundered 3 out, soon tailed off
He's The Boss looks to be the one here with Some Judge, Jacks Craic, Auld Nick and Gatejumper set to fight out the places. The selection won a decent novices' hurdle at Ascot last time, form that stands out in this race. Connections are even dreaming of Cheltenham for their gelding so he should have little difficulty scoring in this grade. Some Judge hails from the Jonjo O'Neill stable so has to be respected but his form to date is modest. Martin Pipe runs Auld Nick but Tony McCoy will be riding Jacks Craic, which is interesting. Robert Alner's Gatejumper showed promise behind a fair animal at Folkestone last time and might be the one for the forecast. However, all roads point to He's The Boss, who gets our vote.
