always in rear, tailed off 8th
made all, hit 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on
tracked leaders, mistake 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, edged right and one pace flat
chased winner, hit 8th, every chance approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
Newick Park will be much better for his recent run and can make it another course winner for Robin Dickin, with Johann De Vonnas likely to prove the main danger. The selection has not run here before, but has handled some stiff tracks in the past, and has conditions and trip in his favour. After an early mistake he was rather rushed off his feet at Warwick last time and finished well beaten, but with the benefit of that outing and this extra quarter of a mile he can return to winning ways. This trip looks a bit on the short side for Phar City and Johann De Vonnas looks likely to go much closer on his chasing debut. Nicky Henderson's charge is rated 91 over hurdles so has a bit to find officially with the selection. However, he looks likely to make a better chaser and if he can improve for tackling the bigger obstacles here then he should not be too far away. But Newick Park is proven in the context of the race and he can pick up the prize.
