led 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out, soon headed, weakened approaching last, broke blood vessel
promiment, ridden 3 out, stayed on well
always behind, not jump well, weakened 4th, tailed off when pulled up for 2 out
ridden 3 out, soon weakened
pulled hard, held up mid-division, headway and challenged 2 out, soon ridden, not quicken flat
in touch, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, stayed on same pace
pulled hard, chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, not quicken
mid-division, ridden and some headway after 3 out, weakened next, mistake last
held up in touch, headway 3 out, ridden and challenged last, no extra flat
held up towards rear, behind 5th, soon tailed off
soon behind, jumped slowly 3rd, tailed off 4th, pulled up after 3 out
A disappointing start to proceedings as although there are 14 declared, only three have any chance, that trio being Goldbrook, Cedar Master and Perouse, with the last named likely to be a warm order. Paul Nicholls' charge has really come to himself since being unleashed on fast ground, with two comfortable victories over timber, the latest coming over the course and distance 18 days ago. He should be well up to defying a penalty and gets a confident vote ahead of his two main rivals. Goldbrook is a consistent enough sort but will find conditions a bit lively, while Cedar Master has yet to win over hurdles but was just touched off on the Flat at Folkestone recently. That should have put the edge on him and he looks booked for the frame. The only other worth mentioning is Kez but he has an absence to overcome.