tracked leading pair, driven after 3 out, beaten next
pressed leader, hit 4th, led 8th, in command 2 out, driven out
led until headed 8th, soon driven, no impression on winner approaching 2 out
always last, ridden 7th, struggling after next
Hardly a race to get carried away with however Kinkeel gets the reluctant nomination ahead of Native Commander. Just the four runners in this seller but realistically only two have chances and Tony Carroll's runner just gets our vote. Very consistent, he was last seen finishing second in a novice contest at Stratford and despite having maiden status still after 31 starts, this could finally be the day. His jumping is normally pretty sound and whilst he would prefer some more juice in the ground, he looks the value call. Native Commander just held on to win a handicap hurdle last time out and returns to fences with every chance. A winner off 102 before he wouldn't have to be at his best to win this, however the slight nagging doubt is that he may just get outpaced over this trip on fast ground. Travello broke a blood vessel when seen just 8 days ago so that must be a concern after such a short break, whilst the fact that Hunter Pudding looks out of his depth in this turgid contest speaks volumes about his ability. All in all this looks like a two horse race and the consistent Kinkeel gets the nod.
Native Commander (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Towards rear, headway 7th, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, wandered left after last, ran on gamely, all out, won at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl (5) gd in Mar beating City Affair (11-5) by a nk, 16 ran.
Travello (GER) 9-2 (11-3) Chased clear pair, weakened 3 out, 10th of 12, well behind Longstone Lady (11-8) at N Abbot 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
Kinkeel (IRE) 7-1 (9-11) Led to 8th, led again 9th, ridden, headed 3 out, one pace after, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Gerrard (11-4) at Stratford 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Mar.
Hunter Pudding 3-1 (11-7) Led to 3 out; sn wknd, 5th of 12, 29l behind Assignation (12-0) at Cothelstone 2m 4f ptp gd in Mar.
