led, shaken up and headed after 4 out, weakened after next, left 2nd 2 out
tracked leader to after 8th, shaken up after 12th, last when bad mistake 13th, soon weakened, left poor 3rd 2 out
held up in touch, went 3rd after 11th, pecked slightly 14th, chased winner and every chance after 3 out, ridden and beaten when fell next
in touch, tracked leader after 8th, led after 4 out, not fluent next, left clear 2 out, pushed out, comfortably
held up in touch, not fluent 3rd and next, last when fell 12th
Not a strong race by any stretch of the imagination and it looks a match between Mighty Montefalco and Elenas River with TEAMtalk preference for the former. Jonjo O'Neill's charge has shown progressive form over hurdles, winning his last two starts including off a mark of 108, and is sure to have been well schooled for this chasing bow. Elenas River is of similar hurdling ability and has the benefit of previous experience over birch but returns from a six-month break and may just be found wanting in the closing stages against a race-fit and in-form rival.
