disputed lead until mistake 10th, ridden 12th, weakened approaching 3 out, virtually pulled up flat
tracked leaders, close up 11th, ridden and slightly outpaced 4 out, chased leader next, rallied 2 out, led last, edged left run in, stayed on towards finish
disputed lead, led 10th, clear after 4 out, headed last, every chance when hampered run in, kept on
A disappointing turn out of just three contest this novices' chase, but it still looks hard to call, with Little Big Horse, Royal Castle and Boston Lass all having something to recommend them. Boston Lass is the youngest in the line-up, receives weight and therefore gets a narrow vote. Bob Woodhouse's six-year-old has yet to open her account, but her three best efforts over have come at Sedgefield, including when second on her chase debut the time before last. Little Big Horse rounded off his timber campaign with a fair effort at Cheltenham, and overall probably boasts the best hurdles form. However, the suspicion is that he will need a bit more cut to be seen at his best. As for Royal Castle, he has a useful pedigree, being out of Sun Princess, and in addition to winning a number of times on the level, has picked up four races over timber so far. He was victorious on the Flat at Nottingham just a month ago, and with in-form Paul Robson in the plate, is sure to have his supporters on his debut over fences. It's definitely tricky, but Boston Lass appears to hold the most scope.
