jumped right, tracked leader, raced wide from 6th, led 11th, clear 5 out, ridden and headed 2 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, mistakes 2nd and 3rd, went 2nd 13th, closed on leader after 3 out, led next, clear last, driven out
led until headed 11th, lost 2nd 13th, no chance from 5 out
held up, ridden after 11th, behind from 5 out, tailed off
held up, ridden approaching 12th, no chance from 5 out
Rift Valley was an impressive when scoring over course and distance last time and should be able to complete a third success over fences with only Comanche War Paint looking anything like a serious rival. Rift Valley had some respectable form over hurdles but the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding looks to be even better over the larger obstacles and opened his account over fences at the first attempt when beating the useful Stromness by 17 lengths at Exeter. The son of Good Thyne jumped right throughout that day and did so again when following up here earlier this month but that did not stop him completing a comfortable 23-length success over Bassano. The Paul Nicholls-trained Comanche War Paint made a winning chase debut when successful at Wincanton last month and is entitled to improve but he needs to if he is to trouble the selection. The other three runners look moderate at best and are difficult to recommend.
