prominent to 6th, soon well behind, tailed off, pulled up before 4 out
always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
prominent, went 2nd at 7th, led 14th, drew well clear before 3 out, stayed on strongly
chased leader to 4th, soon lost place, stayed on under pressure from 3 out, took modest 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
behind, tailed off from 8th, pulled up before 12th
in touch in 4th place when blundered and fell 9th
led, set strong pace, headed 14th, no impression from next, weakened, tired before last, lost 2nd near finish
prominent, chased leader 4th, not fluent 5th, lost 2nd 7th, soon weakened, tailed off from 13th
Paul Nicholls continues in fine form and the Ditcheat trainer can add to his tally with Drum Battle. The son of Bold Arrangement demonstrated his well being with a recent point-to-point victory and returns to regulation fences on a fair mark so should prove hard to beat in the hands of his capable amateur. Top weight Nativetrial comes here in fine fettle having recorded back-to-back wins at Market Rasen and Fontwell this winter but is a thorough stayer who may prove vulnerable over this trip. River Bug showed good battling qualities to prevail at Folkestone last time but he had nothing to spare and could struggle following a subsequent 5lb rise so Here Comes Henry, who is well treated on the pick of his form, may prove a bigger danger.