chased leader, led 7th, jumped left 9th, ridden 11th, headed approaching next, soon weakened
held up, headway on bit and every chance 3 out, ridden next, not quicken
held up in touch, headway 10th, led 3 out, driven clear flat, readily
held up towards rear, headway 12th, led next, ridden and headed 3 out, ran on, not pace of winner
led to 7th, ridden 11th, weakened next, behind when pulled up before 4 out
held up in rear, headway on bit 12th, joined leader and every chance when fell 4 out
A fiercely competitive heat for this replacement race for the First National Gold Cup. Poliantas has the benefit of racecourse experience this term. He ran an absolute blinder in the Thomas Pink to finish second to Cyfor Malta and it would be no surprise to see him taking a hand here if his jumping holds up to scrutiny. Fondmort is a class act on his day over two miles and although he finished lame at the end of last season, he had owed connections nothing last season. If the race were to become a tactical affair, his high cruising speed and quick jumping would come into their own. The TEAMtalk selection is Royal Auclair. Martin Pipe's charge won the Cathcart at the Cheltenham festival and the five-year-old should have strengthened up over the winter. A bold jumper at the best of times, he probably would have preferred more rain but should have no problems with the step up in trip. Golden Goal and Juralan being held by the selection.Thyne will Tell steps up in class.