tracked leader to 8th, ridden and lost touch from 12th, left 2nd 16th, ridden 4 out, stayed on towards finish
tracked leaders, led 6th, 25 lengths clear when fell 16th
tracked leaders, joined leader when fell 16th, remounted, 3rd and tailed off when fell again 2 out, remounted and continued
led to 6th, weakened 15th, left in lead and hampered next, ridden 4 out, all out
Max Pride can give weight away to Madam's Man, with Commanche Jim and Over Zealous not out of it either. This has the makings of good little affair, with Max Pride just favoured on the strength of his comeback effort over hurdles at Towcester, where Robin Dickin took advantage of the eight-year-old's lenient mark. However, he is back over fences now and is expected to make his mark over a trip that will suit. Indeed, connections were tempted by the Scottish National last season, but put him away instead. already successful over the course and distance in the past, he gets the nod over Madam's Man. The Nigel Twiston-Davies inmate does not have the same level of experience but obviously, with the stable in form, will line up in good heart. There has to be a slight question mark over his ability to get the trip though, so he is passed over. Commanche Jim was a beaten favourite on his return at Newton Abbot, but needed the outing and will strip fitter. his best form is in soft ground though, so with that in mind, he too is crossed out. That leaves Over Zealous, whose trainer does very well with staying sorts, and in receipt of weight, he can capitalize on any mistakes by the principals, the best of whom can be Max Pride.
