towards rear, blundered badly 6th, pushed along 11th, soon struggling and pulled up before 4 out
tracking leaders in 3rd when fell 6th
tracked leader, led 10th, ridden and hit 3 out, headed approaching last, kept on flat
led to 10th, pushed along after 5 out, left 2nd 4 out, ridden next, hit 2 out, weakened last
blundered badly 2nd, remote 5th approaching 4 out, ridden next, kept on from 2 out
held up in 5th when blundered badly and unseated rider 6th
held up, badly hampered 6th and almost unseated rider, headway 10th, slightly hampered 4 out, ridden approaching next, led approaching last, ridden out flat
mid-division, every chance when blundered badly 4 out, not recover
A typically robust turnout for one of the top early-season prizes. There will be plenty of support for locally-trained Hussard Collonges. He put up a dazzling performance to score here at the Christmas meeting and plenty of shrewd judges were on at big prices before his victory in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase. Nicky Henderson has been making positive noises about Marlborough's chances. Historically, his early season has not been that great and although his class is unquestionable, he is given the swerve today. Course and distance winner, Grey Abbey was a credit to connections last term - this represents a rise in class today and he has a little to find on balance. Moscow Express is the sole Irish raider. His recent form is blighted with jumping errors and he will not get away with them at this track. What's Up Boys is the highest rated of today's contenders. Philip Hobbs' team are in good order but the ground is probably on the quick side for his horse. The TEAMtalk nod is given to Lord Noelie. He was travelling well before crashing out in this race last year and with a crack at the Hennessey likely, Henrietta Knight will have him fighting fit today.
