tracked leaders, prominent 5th until 12th, ridden at 14th, soon behind
led, ridden and headed after 4f out, pressed winner, every chance 2f out, stayed on
tracked leaders, led after 4f out, soon ridden, stayed on well approaching last, ridden out
Commanche Warpaint looks to be the pick of the Nicholls entry and the course-and-distance winner is our selection in this contest. Connections have been sparing with forays onto the racecourse but a reproduction of that victory over the ultra-consistent Uncle Mick should be good enough to land today's prize. Satshoon ran lifelessly at Cheltenham over hurdles and is returned to chase fences. He formerly beat some useful types in Bank Avenue and Handyman over the larger obstacles so it wouldn't be the greatest of surprises if he regains his enthusiasm here. Noble Justice has certainly had his training troubles and he rewarded connections patience with a win at Wincanton earlier this month. He gave 18lbs and a one-and-a-quarter length beating to a 93-rated horse on that occasion and more is needed on this. Zafarabad is not the force of old and appears thoroughly out of love with the game. He looks unashamedly one to avoid at present. Having considered the alternatives it looks difficult to field against Commanche War Paint this afternoon
