tracked leader, led 3rd, clear from 14th, stayed on well, eased flat
took keen hold, disputing close 3rd when blundered and fell 11th
led until mistake 3rd, chased winner after, ridden 12th, blunered and weakened 14th, finished tired
behind, blundered 2nd, ridden 9th, left disputing 3rd 11th, weakened next, mistake 13th, tailed off
took keen hold in touch, disputing 3rd when blundered and fell 11th
held up, mistake 3rd, ridden 7th, left disputing 3rd 11th, weakened next
A good opener in prospect in which Baron Windrush, Limerick Leader and Oneminutetofive all warrant consideration but it is to Baron Windrush that we turn. Nigel Twiston-Davies' stable continue in brilliant form at present and anything that this son of Alderbrook achieved over hurdles was always to be a bonus. A handy sort, although at times maybe a little too handy for comfort, the track should suit and he comes here holding a solid chance. Limerick Leader was a high class hurdler and now makes the transition to chase fencing. There are plenty of good hurdlers who haven't been able to make the transition but Limerick Leader is sure to be well-forward in his preparations for this term. Martin Pipe introduced a decent chaser in Comply Or Die last week and on this occasion he has Oneminutetofive. Fourth in last season's Foxhunters at Cheltenham, the horse jumps well and has been virtually unbeatable in point-to-points (although he did get his last race in the stewards tent.) Today will be the acid test. Lord Luker was unsighted last year while Fantastic Champion did win a couple of races this Summer albeit in slow times. It will take a decent horse to win this prize and Baron Windrush is our selection.