held up in rear, mistake 8th, some headway 12th but never dangerous
jumped badly left first, in rear when blundered 5th, pulled up before next
led 1st, 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 2nd fence
prominent, soon tracking leader, led 7th and hampered by loose horse, headed, ridden and weakened 4 out, blundered 2 out, one pace last
prominent, led 2nd, headed after 6th, hampered by loose horse after 7th, ridden and weakened 4 out soon one pace
mid-division, some headway after 7th but never dangerous
behind, ridden 9th but never in contention
held up mid-division headway to lead after 7th, headed after 3 out, blundered 2 out, soon one pace
mid-division, hampered on 1st bend, behind when weakened 9th
prominent to 6th, soon behind
mid-division when hampered 2nd, ridden and weakened 10th
prominent, hampered by loose horse after 7th,headway 11th, led after 3 out, not fluent 2 out comfortably
The betting market will give a good guide to the expectations held by the connections of the likes of Amplifi, Dunlea and Cowboyboots, who have all shaped as if a race of this nature is within them and they should do their bit to make this a competitive affair. However, it may be worth chancing a small stakes investment with Libertine, who had some useful form over hurdles from her time with Guillame Macaire in the French provinces. The five-year-old mare has shown versatility towards her going preference and, with all the allowances in her favour, she looks to have been found an easy introduction to British fences. It is almost an insult to post a reminder of Nicky Henderson's ability to draw the best out horses like this, but it does appear to be a well though-out introduction for Libertine and she is expected to go very close today. Dunlea, who has plenty of experience from Irish fences, could be the one to give Libertine the most to do.
