led 2nd, headed 8th, close up, fell 10th
held up, ridden and lost place after 10th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
held up, left 3rd 10th, struggling from 4 out, mistake 3 out
led, headed 2nd, led again 8th, in command and unchallenged from 14th
tracked leader, reminder after 9th, hampered next, left 2nd, held from 4 out, mistake last
Most of this line-up have been a little frustrating to follow but TREASURY COUNSEL may be the one to take the money. Plein Pouvoir has one of the more solid profiles of those going to post as he has run consistently well in defeat and the form of his latest effort has been given a boost with the winner going on to run a fine race and the third winning next time. He just looks a little onepaced in the finish and may need more time. Hivikos has looked well handicapped all season and has been backed accordingly all season; things have yet to fall into place but he could very well run out an easy winner if they do. Picts Hill made an impressive winning chase debut on his first run since leaving Paul Nicholls but the ground had rapidly deteriorated throughout the day and the form may not amount to a great deal. Honour's Dream appeared to be struggling from some way out at Carlisle and deserves some credit for the way he stayed on but he may be one to be wary off in the latter stages. Treasury Counsel progressed well over hurdles and appeared to be an exciting prospect for novice chases. He jumped appallingly on his two chase runs last season and ran no sort of race on his reappearance this term which is hardly a ringing endorsement. They all have question marks over them though and it's interesting to see McCoy take the ride on a novice who has had jumping problems in the week before Cheltenham. He has the ability to win, perhaps this will be the day that Treasury Counsel cashes in his chips.
Plein Pouvoir (FR) 13-8fav (10-11) In touch, tracked winner from 10th, ridden and close up 2 out, no extra flat, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Apatura Dik (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 5f mdn chs (4) hvy in Jan.
Hivikos (FR) 7-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 4 out, close up 3 out, ridden and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Kayf Aramis (10-11) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Treasury Counsel (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Held up, headway 9th, ridden to chase winner briefly 13th, weakened before 4 out, 5th of 8, well behind Aimigayle (10-9) at Kempton 3m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Picts Hill 12-1 (10-12) Prominent, led 11th, clear next, comfortably, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd beating Whatcanisay (10-9) by 8l, 8 ran.
Honour's Dream (FR) 9-2 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, hard ridden and lost 2nd near line, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Teenando (10-1) at Carlisle 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
