led, not fluent 8th, nudged along after 3 out, ridden approaching last, came clear flat, comfortably
chased leader, pushed along before 2 out, ridden to challenge before last, held after last
As we saw at Cheltenham on Friday two-runner races can be eventful but ANNUAL INVICTUS should have few problems beating his sole rival. Chris Gordon's charge scored twice over timber here at the turn of the year and has made a tremendous start over fences finishing a close second to Faivoir at Uttoxeter then having that one behind when scoring over this trip at Cheltenham. Dino Velvet had some smart form over hurdles and has much more experience over fences but was beaten 26l into third at Market Rasen last time and tackles a completely new trip.
Annual Invictus (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Chased leaders on outside, went 2nd from 5th, led 11th, in command flat, stayed on well, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct beating Danny Kirwan (10-11) by 3l, 5 ran.
Dino Velvet (FR) 4-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner briefly 4 out, kept on same pace, last of 3, 26l behind Stolen Silver (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
