tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, lost place 9th, soon behind
led to 5th, stayed prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
held up, mistake 3rd, headway, 9th, hit next, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened approaching last
with leader, led 5th, hit 7th, headed next, led again 10th, ridden clear 2 out, eased flat
tracked leaders, lost place approaching 9th weakened 5 out
not jumped well, in touch, ridden 11th, weakened next
tracked leaders, led 8th to 10th, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, mistake 2nd, headway 11th, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching next
Not the strongest of contests with most of these in poor form. Icacia is sure to prove popular coming from the powerful Williams yard and this ex-French seven-year-old already has experience of jumping fences in his native country. One word of warning though is that the only time he has raced on fast ground was at Fakenham, where he folded tamely having had every chance. However, one who has no trouble with the prevailing fast ground is Skram, who comes from a stable in form having had a winner with Shampooed at Stratford on Sunday. He should just about be straight now after a couple of efforts last month, his first for over a year and should go well. However, the vote goes to Cill Churnain, who is much better handicapped over fences than hurdles, won't mind the prevailing conditions and will be much sharper for his recent effort behind Captain Zinzan at Worcester.
