not fluent 1st, tracked leader, led 4th, well clear from 8th, very easily
led until 4th, chased winner until after 3 out, soon weakened
held up, stayed on past beaten horses from 2 out, never dangerous
held up, not fluent 4th, behind from 8th, tailed off when pecked 11th
held up, chased clear leaders 7th, went 2nd after 3 out, no chance with winner
chased clear leaders until not fluent 7th, no danger from next
behind and not fluent, struggling 10th, tailed off when mistake 3 out
Dirk Cove can take this ahead of Deliceo, Trusting Tom and Finbec. Dirk Cove won over hurdles here three years ago but since then has in the main disappointed since being sent over fences. He finally came good over the bigger obstacles at Fontwell in April, a result that pleased Richard Rowe who reported that it had taken time to get the horses's confidence back after he had picked up an injury schooling. He was not fluent on his return to action at Plumpton recently but got round in second place and will come on for the outing. Deliceo is a course and distance winner who owes connections nothing, and he showed with his last victory at Leicester that as long as he is kept at this level, more successes are on the cards. Trusting Tom has topweight but will be given a good ride by Noel Fehily, while Fin Bec returns to the fray and will come on for the outing. We know that Dirk Cove is fit though, and he is worth supporting.