prominent and took keen hold early, mistake 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened before last
mid-division, short of room after 4th, ridden and headway to chase leader after last, not quickened
tracked leader and pulled early, well in touch when fell 2 out
prominent, headway after 2 out, ridden and chased winner approaching last, every chance last, wandered left then drifted right under pressure flat, not reached winner
mid-division, jumped slowly 4th, ridden and one pace when jumped awkwardly last
prominent, mistake 1st, ridden and weakened after 2 out
in touch, ridden and lost touch before 4th, weakened 2 out
held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching last, ridden last, stayed on one pace
made all, ridden and quickened approaching last, ran on well flat
held up last, hampered 3 out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden after 3 out, weakened after 2 out
held up in touch, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened
towards rear, good headway on bit bend approaching last, ridden and found nil after
The principals here appear to be Lord Buckingham, Tin Symphony, King's Brook and The Bag Man, with or vote just going to Lord Buckingham. The selection was knocking at the door in similar events last season and, given that he will not lack for experience and that his overall form rates as the best on offer, he is the one at which they all have to aim. Tin Symphony's third over course and distance last time and King's Brook's third to the impressive Chilling Place, who has won well since, rate as solid pieces of form so the selection will have to perform pretty well to score. The Bag Man, form the stable of the track's leading handler, Paul Nicholls, is another to seriously consider on his hurdling debut. Of the others, Alderburn, Harris Bay and Ludlow bumper winner Cornish Sett, also from the Nicholls stable, would appear to be the best although Philip Hobbs' Allumee should also be given the once over. However, unless the market tells a radically-different story, Lord Buckingham is taken to score.
