tracked leader, not fluent 5th, fell 7th
made all, 8 lengthes clear approaching 6th, well in command 3 out, very easily
tracked leaders, slow 8th, soon driven and lost place, eased before 3 out, moderate 3rd
chased leaders, struggling before 3 out, mistake next, soon no impression
THUNDER CHILD won this by a distance last year and, though 15lb higher now, can land the spoils again. He's actually been dropped a few pounds since finishing fourth when joint favourite here earlier in the month and this looks a lot less competitive. Wait No More's fitness has to be taken on trust and his only win came over a much longer trip while Ilongue's recent form leaves a lot to be desired, though she does act on fast ground. Brave Enough ran on the Flat earlier this month but this is his fencing debut and he was very modest over hurdles.
Thunder Child 7-2fav (10-5) Led until 4th, remained prominent, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 8, 13l behind Kirbys Glen (10-3) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf.
Wait No More (IRE) 9-4fav (10-7) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 50l behind Sadler's Star (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) gd in Oct.
Brave Enough (USA) 16-1 (10-2) Prominent, went 2nd before 5th, led 3 out, ridden and headed last, one pace, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Coolagad Wonder (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Aug.
Ilongue (FR) 25-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, not fluent 1st, mistake 4th and 9th, disputing 11th lengths 5th 3 out, never on terms, 5th of 11, 21l behind Drom (12-4) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd in Jan.
