unseated rider, held up, hit 5th, ridden approaching 7th, badly hampered and unseated rider 9th
led to 5th, stayed prominent, ridden to lead again approaching 3 out, driven out
disputing 3rd when fell 9th
tracked leader to 4th, led after 7th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, hit last, kept on
tracked leaders, pecked 1st, lost place 6th, behind when hampered and unseated rider 9th
tracked leaders, led 5th, mistake 7th, soon headed, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out
A poor contest to open up proceedings and this can be taken by Aircon, with Able Native and Millennium Gold also likely to play a part. The selection is back on a mark from which he has run very well previously without winning. Seen out for the first time since pulling up twice, Robin Dickin's gelding finished a tired fourth on his comeback at Worcester in May. Given a break to overcome those exertions and over a trip that suits, the eight-year-old can come good here. Top weight Able Native will provide the premier opposition to the selection. Admittedly he has looked exposed off just 1lb higher over fences in recent times, but he has been running well over hurdles in between and can bring that form to this race, where he push Aircon all the way with his normally sound jumping. Of the remainder, Glanmerin will be no back number, though the frame should be completed by Millennium Gold, who has a feather weight, gets this trip well and appreciates a sound surface. The vote, however, goes to Aircon.
