held up, headway halfway, tracked leaders 3 out, every chance next, ridden, kept on one pace
mid division, headway from halfway, every chance 2 out, ridden, one pace
midfield, headway after halfway, joined leaders after 3 out, weakened closing stages
mid division, made ground easily 4 out, every chance approaching 2 out, soon weakened and pulled up approaching last
raced fairly handily, close enough 3 out, unable to quicken under pressure close home
prominent to halfway, weakened in straight, pulled up approaching 2 out
midfield, some headway after 4 out, no impression
with leaders early, lost place and pulled up after 3 out
held up, no headway closing stages
held up, some headway after 4 out, weakened
held up, no headway from halfway
stayed on from 3 out but never quite looked like reaching leaders
midfield when fell 1st
disputed lead 1st, stayed prominent, led again 3rd, weakened after 4 out
badly impeded and nearly fell 1st, lost ground and never recovered
tracked leading group, closed up halfway, every chance 3 out, led next, kept on well
well there, still with leaders when mistake 2 out, weakened quickly
raced keenly, led 1st, stayed prominent, led again 4th, weakened after 3 out
midfield, never a factor
Valiramix (FR) Arguably the best of the Pipe trio; unbeaten in both starts to date this season; still improving and should love the testing ground
Rooster Booster Very unlucky to have not won a major prize this season; chance if able to reproduce the form of his cracking second to Landing Light in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury.
Copeland Well held on Newbury form and appears to have lost his way this season; however he is trained by Martin Pipe and cannot be ruled out entirely.
Milligan (FR) Ran a great race when third in the Tote Gold Trophy and looks well handicapped.
Dibea Times (FR) Likely to go off favourite judged on three impressive wins in lesser contests this season; very highly regarded (see Malcolm Jefferson interview)and must go well if allowed to take his chance.
Seixo Branco Lightly raced over hurdles and from a stable that started to hit form prior to the break; may find the ground on the soft side.
Eastwell Hall Pulled up lame last time; useful handicapper at best but yet to fire this season.
Deep Water (USA) Useful hurdler who comes here on the back of a number of fair efforts in novice chases; could be a dark horse.
Miss Fara (FR) Third Pipe-trained horse who ran with credit when fourth at Doncaster on reappearance; more needed to figure at this level.
La Landiere (FR) Temperamental mare but useful on her day; lost nothing in defeat when runner-up at Cheltenham last time; each-way prospects.
Magic Combination (IRE) Won corresponding event last year when with Barney Curley; this has been the target all season; interesting runner from the North.
Flagship Colm (IRE) Tough sort who appears to have something to find on the book. Acts on the surface.
Ferrers Won on reappearance for third season in a row when successful at Cheltenham in December; has been threatening to pick up a big prize for a long time.
Romero Not badly treated but appears out of form this term.
One Nation (IRE) Dual winner this season who ran a fine race when third at Ascot last time; consistent sort who should once again give a good account.
Batswing Useful on the flat, winning November Handicap; won at Doncaster last time and further improvement looks on the cards.
Eyeballs Out Dual winner of novice events earlier in the season; appears to have something to prove.
Jamaican Flight (USA) Six-times winner at Market Rasen who should give his followers a run from the front.
Mithak (USA) Had training problems but useful performer at best; off the track for 525 days and will need to be at his best to feature; not to be ruled out in an open race.
Ibal (FR) Not an easy horse to assess but looked in good order when beating Double Red by six lengths at Leicester in January.
Jaseur (USA) Gives the impression that staying will be his game in due course; not without a small chance.
Jaguar Very inconsistent sort who finds it hard to win nowadays.
Galapino Without a win for more than a year and very hard to fancy at this level.
