tracking leaders when blundered and unseated rider 2nd
held up mid-division, headway 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon one pace
prominent, led 6th, ridden approaching last, headed and no extra close home
always towards rear, tailed off after 3 out
held up, mistake 5th, headway 8th, strong run approaching last, hard ridden and all out to lead close home
held up, headway 9th, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace
chased leaders to 7th, behind from 3 out
chased leaders, jumped right from 8th, ridden and one pace after 3 out
The presence of Ei Ei will ensure there will be no hanging around here and his relish for the task will make this a true test of stamina. However, it is surprising to see the eight-year-old back over fences as he has been making hay over timber of late, and his supporters may see their revival in fortunes come to an end in this company. Castle Prince is returned to a more realistic level after facing some impossible tasks earlier in the season. But he too has something to find and may he may have to settle for a minor role again today. Therefore it may pay to side with last year¿s winner of this race, Red Ark, who has been kept fresh for a spring campaign. He was foot perfect over these fences last term and the form looks solid in the context of this year's renewal. He has solid claims off just a 1lb higher mark and the timing looks right for him to put in a big run. It may also be dangerous to assume that Devon View ran as if in the grip of the handicapper last time out over course and distance, as that was a much tougher assignment, and he faces nothing of the class of Tiutchev etc today. Paul Nicholls' charge, along with the unpredictable Harvis, holds the most solid each-way claims against Red Ark.
