chased leaders, every chance 3 out, weakened on long run to last, finished tired
chased leaders, every chance 3 out, went 2nd briefly approaching omitted 2 out, weakened before last, finished tired
led to 2nd, led 4th to 6, weakened approaching omitted 2 out, pulled up before last
took keen hold in touch, fell 3rd
chased leaders, lost place 10th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, in touch, every chance 3 out, weakened bypassing omitted 2 out
chased leader, led 2nd to 4th, led again 6th, hung right and headed approaching last, no extra flat
always behind, jumped slowly 6th and lost touch, continued to jump slowly well behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, reminders after 6th, not fluent 8th, headway approaching 3 out, challenged bypassing omitted 2 out, led approaching last, driven out
Kirov King is at the top of his game and can make it three out of three this afternoon, Merry Storm and Malko de Beaumont could provide most danger. The selection makes a quick reappearance having comfortably beaten Kercabellec at Market Rasen last week. He could still be one step ahead of the handicapper and the hat-trick looks on the cards. Merry storm returned to winning ways at Taunton last month, when comfortably beating Ehab. The inexperienced jockey is a slight concern, but nevertheless this seven-year-old should be in the shake up. Malko de Beaumont beat Rosses Point on similar ground at Uttoxeter in February and wasn't disgraced next time behind Young Lorcan. He is still on a handy mark and should make his presence felt. The Outlier looks the best of the rest, but Kirov King is hard to ignore in this mood and he gets the verdict.
The Outlier (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) In touch, under pressure 13th, soon behind, 8th of 11, 42l behind Von Origny (11-0) at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Bishop's Bridge (IRE) 22-1 (11-5) Always behind, lost touch 10th, 7th of 8, 42l behind Rubberdubber (11-12) at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in Mar.
Kirov King (IRE) 7-4fav (10-1) Tracked leader and keen, led 5th, jumped left and mistake 7th, ridden approaching last, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft beating Kercabellec (10-8) by 7l, 4 ran.
Flying Fuselier 14-1 (11-7) In touch, blundered 7th, ridden 9th, weakened 4 out, 7th of 13, well behind Free Gift (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in Dec.
Merry Storm (IRE) 10-3 (10-8) Tracked leaders, joined leader 4 out, led 3 out, easily, won at Taunton 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Mar beating Ehab (10-1) by 7l, 10 ran.
Rookery Lad 8-1 (11-8) Prominent, hit 5th, ridden 11th, weakened 4 out, 7th of 10, well behind Jolejoker (11-7) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
Neptune Joly (FR) 25-1 (10-9) Mistakes, soon well outpaced and last, hit 2nd, mistake 7th, no chance from 4 out, last of 4, 34l behind Hoo La Baloo (11-5) at Sandown 2m nov chs (3) sft in Mar.
Malko de Beaumont (FR) 11-8fav (11-9) Held up, headway 9th, hit 4 out, blundered 3 out, hit 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 8, 5l behind Young Lorcan (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Mar.
