pressed winner, not fluent 5th, mistake 14th, no impression 4 out
made all, clear 4 out, not fluent next, easily
always last, not fluent 5th, pushed along after 12th, lost touch before 14th, pulled up before 2 out
Shelford, four times a winner over hurdles, beat two rivals to make a winning debut over fences at Towcester though his jumping wasn't always fluent. He's been narrowly beaten twice subsequently but will need to brush up his jumping if he's to beat EL BANDIT. Paul Nicholls' charge is making his debut over the bigger obstacles but has won six times over timber and is receiving weight from his rival. Vote Of Confidence won three times over hurdles but has been well beaten in both starts over fences and has plenty to find.
Shelford (IRE) 4-7fav (11-4) Close up in 3rd, went 2nd 13th, ridden 2 out, mistake last, driven and rallied towards finish, 2nd of 3, 1/2l behind Net Work Rouge (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m (4) gd in Apr.
El Bandit (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Mid-division, ridden after 2 out, effort before last, never threatened, one pace, 10th of 24, 16 1/4l behind Presenting Percy (11-11) at Cheltenham 3m hcp lst (1) gd in Mar.
Vote Of Confidence (USA) 33-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, pushed along and in touch 13th, outpaced after 4 out, well beaten 5th when left 2nd 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 30l behind Dance Floor King (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
