led, blundered and headed 8th, weakened, behind from 11th, blundered 2 out, fifth and no chance when fell last
held up in touch, weakened 3 out
chased leader to 9th, weakened rapidly, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
prominent, blundered 4th, went second 9th, led 3 out, not fluent next, headed last, kept on flat
in touch, not fluent 3rd, hard-ridden no impression 11th, stayed on approaching 2 out, challenged to lead last, edged left flat, kept on under pressure
keen hold, led 8th to 3 out, weakened before next
Having dropped down the handicap Raleagh Native looks to have a good chance of winning his first race since 1998 now he looks to have found his feet over fences. Two good runs at this track this season suggests he is the one to be on in a race which on paper looks particularly weak and he will benefit from this step down in class. Charlie Mann's Villair proved he was going the right way when finishing second at Leicester last time out. His jumping has let him down in the past but providing he can put in a clear round looks to be the one to give the selection most to do. Course and distance winner Errin Valley would have a chance on the best of his form but he has been done no favours by the handicapper and may struggle once again off this mark. The rest look easily opposable under today's conditions.
