tracked leaders, went second 13th, led approaching 2 out, driven out
held up, fell 8th
led, reminder after 4th, jumped left 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed approacing 2 out, soon weakened
held up, mistaken and unseated rider 11th
always behind, pushed along after 6th, tailed off 11th
tracked leader, hit 5th, bumped 10th, jumped slowly and lost place 13th, mistake 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, mistake 14th, ridden approaching 3 out, went second 2 out, kept on one pace
Over Zealous is the obvious form choice here and he is taken to beat Tiger Talk and Sissinghurst Storm. John Upson's charge is due to retire this year, so this could be his final race. The stable are hoping to take his career victories into double figures after he landed his ninth success last month over course and distance. He beat Tommy Carson in great style after looking beaten two out, a repeat of that effort should suffice this evening. Tiger Talk is from a yard in form and is very well treated on hurdles form. His two runs over the larger obstacles have been modest, but he will improve for the experience. A bigger threat though could be Sissinghurst Storm who returns to fencing following two excellent efforts over hurdles. She gets in here on the minimum weight and ground and trip will suit. Pick of the others should be Uncle Mick but Over Zealous is expected to make it back to back victories.
Uncle Mick (IRE) 11-4 Led to 11th, weakened quickly next, soon tailed off, last of 6, 39l behind Prince Highlight at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Nov.
Pete The Painter (IRE) 10-1 In touch, led 10th, ridden and hung left after 4 out, saddle slipped and pulled up at the last in race won by Silver Samuel at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Apr, 7 ran.
Over Zealous (IRE) 4-1 Led, reminder approaching 10th, headed approaching 4 out, regained lead after 3 out, stayed on well, won at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Apr beating Tommy Carson by 6l, 4 ran.
Tiger Talk 6-1 Chased leaders, ridden 12th, weakened 4 out, 9th of 13, 25l behind Make It Easy at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gd.
Isou (FR) 9-2 Always behind, tailed off, 5th of 10, well behind Commanche Jim at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-100 (F) sft in Mar.
Sissinghurst Storm (IRE) 11-1 Held up, pushed along after 4th, stayed on well from 3 out, never nearer, 4th of 16, 9l behind Dragut Torghoud at Worcester 3m cnd nov hcp hdl (F) gs in Apr.
Maidstone Monument (IRE) 5-1 Tracked leaders, challenged 10th until weakened after 14th, 8th of 11, well behind Robber at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Apr.
Mister Kingston 33-1 Behind from 7th, 7th of 14, 44l behind Solve It Sober at Chepstow 3m sll hcp chs 0-95 (G) gs in Apr.