jumped well and always going well, held up in 4th, went 2nd after 13th, led 14th, soon in command, not extended
chased leaders, ridden 13th, hit 4 out, one pace and no impression from next
led to 12th, chased leader until after next, weakened before 4 out
tracked leader, led 12th, mistake next, headed 14th, chased winner after, no impression
Just the four runners but an interesting race nonetheless, and one in which Presenting Express is the selection. Presenting Express exploited a very good hurdling handicap mark to win last time and, with his confidence restored now, he can start paying his way over fences. His win record in this sphere is very good, although he is 14 pounds above a previous best winning chasing mark. Even though he has been raised five pounds for his Fontwell win, Balladeer looks set to be very competitive today. Twisted Logic is back to a winning mark from April 2005 so can be fancied on that basis. Finally, much as Meggie's Beau has not fully gone on from a novice win, he cannot be ruled out at this level. Overall, though, we will stick with Presenting Express.
Presenting Express (IRE) 10-11fav (11-10) Held up, hit 3rd and next, steady headway 5th, led after 7th, jumped slightly left from 3 out, hit 2 out, clear last, comfortably, won at Exeter 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf beating Be Telling (11-9) by 7l, 9 ran.
Balladeer (IRE) 11-4fav (11-5) Chased leaders, led after 12th, headed after next, rallied gamely, led and blundered last, driven out, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Sept beating River Bailiff (10-3) by 6l, 7 ran.
Twisted Logic (IRE) 28-1 (11-1) Close up until 9th, soon behind and pulled up at the 14th in race won by Tanterari (10-8) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in Sept, 8 ran.
Meggie's Beau (IRE) 4-1fav (11-3) In touch, every chance 3 out, weakening when mistake last, 3rd of 11, 13l behind Would You Believe (10-11) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
