chased leader, led 2nd, left clear 3 out, eased after last
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, left 12 lengths 2nd and hampered, weakened next
led and mistakes, headed 2nd, 4 lengths down in 2nd when fell 3 out
chased leaders, mistake 10th, weakened after next
behind, tailed off from 9th, left remote 3rd and hampered 3 out went 2nd flat, no chance with winner
soon chasing leaders, mistake 7th, in touch when fell 10th
A very competitive eight-runner affair where any of the contestants could win but preference here goes to Royal Emperor ahead of Ar Miun Na Miuce, Tyneandthyneagain and the hat-trick seeking D'Argent. The selection runs for the in-form Sue Smith yard and boasts the best hurdle form of those on show. He proved his liking for the larger obstacles when hacking up at Kelso on his chase debut and this marathon trip looks ideal. Ar Miun Na Miuce ran with credit on her chase debut and is in receipt of a few allowances here. With her ability to handle any ground she is sure to be popular with punters and likely to run well. Tyneandthyneagain is highly regarded by his trainer and there are a couple of excuses for recent below par displays. The ground looks to have turned in his favour and should give the selection something to think about. D'Argent has done little wrong since turning to fencing winning twice at this track. He may prefer a quicker surface giving weight away to most of these rivals though it would be foolish to leave him out of calculations. In summary Royal Emperor looks the best bet with Ar Miun Na Miuce possibly the biggest but not the only danger.