chased leaders in 3rd, lost place after 6th, soon well behind, tailed off
led, joined 3 out, ridden and headed next, weakened approaching last
held up in touch, chased leaders from 8th, not fluent next, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner
tracked leader, challenged 3 out, led next, clear last, pushed out flat
held up in touch, ridden after 4th, soon well behind, pulled up before 8th
Tysou was the best of these over timber and is given the TEAMtalk verdict to make a winning seasonal reappearance. Nicky Henderson's charge lost his way towards the end of last season but had previously lifted a Doncaster handicap off a hurdles mark of 130 and, with conditions to suit, should prove too strong for inferior rivals. Ibal goes well in the mud and has claims on his second in a Towcester novice event in January but became disappointing and now has something to prove. Krabloonik has had plenty of chances over birch but has yet to greet the judge and looks vulnerable on these terms.