tracked leader, led 6th, headed before 3 out, led 3 out, shaken up run-in, kept on well
tracked leaders, with winner 11th, pushed along to lead before 3 out, headed 3 out, kept on and no impression with winner run-in
in rear, went 3rd before 3 out, one pace
led to 6th, weakened before 3 out
MASTER MEDIC won this a year ago for Sally Alner and though now well into the veteran stage may be good enough for a repeat in receipt of 4lb from the prolific point-to-point winner Gwanako. Rose Loxton's charge has been carrying all before him between the flags and it should be a real battle between the pair. How's My Friend arrives in winning form but doesn't win very often while Delta Borget has never won over regulation fences and has had plenty of opportunities.
Gwanako (FR) 1-6 (11-0) Led aft 7; drew clr 3 out; v easy, won at Cattistock 3m ptp gd beating Civil Servant (11-0) by 18l, 2 ran.
Master Medic (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Ap; led aft 3 out til hdd nxt; one pce flat, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Rumbavu (12-0) at New Forest 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Delta Borget (FR) 12-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace under pressure approaching last, no impression, 4th of 11, 8l behind Popaway (10-10) at Cheltenham 2m hts chs (5) gs in Apr.
How's My Friend 9-4 (11-0) Led to 7; led 14; ro wl, won at Berkeley 3m ptp gs in Apr beating Stonemaster (11-0) by 7l, 5 ran.