jumped well, led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, pushed along and weakened 13th, soon behind, pulled up before 17th
tracked leaders, blundered badly and unseated rider 5th
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, headed flat, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden 18th, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, hit 12th, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace flat
towards rear, blundered and fell 7th
held up towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 7th (Chair)
held up, steady headway 10th, tracked leaders 14th, ridden 2 out, stayed on to lead flat
towards rear, headway 18th, ridden approaching 2 out, no extra flat
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace flat
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 4 out
in rear, hit 11th, badly blundered and unseated rider 16th (Canal Turn)
mid-division, pushed along 10th, weakened 17th, pulled up before 19th
tracked leaders, blundered and fell 15th (Foinavon)
Gower-Slave A bit to prove of 10lb higher rating than when he won the John Hughes Chase last season, but he has gone well fresh in the past and the slight step up in trip is not expected to be a problem. However, others look to be more leniently treated at present and he may find a few too good.
Narrow Water (IRE) Improved with each outing last term and although 8lb higher than when he won the Northern National at Newcastle in February, he has the scope for plenty more improvement. He gets on well with Adrian Maguire and should figure prominently in staying events this season. Good chance.
The Last Fling (IRE) Has dropped to a reasonably mark and has handled this course well enough in the past, however, he is getting a little long in the tooth to be expected to improve greatly and his jumping has let him down from time to time.
Smarty (IRE) Should have benefited greatly from his confidence boosting outing over hurdles at Plumpton earlier in the month and is sure to come in for plenty of interest in the ring after last season's gallant effort in the Grand National. The booking of in-form Norman Williamson is also a big plus; one for the list.
Village King (IRE) Not the most straightforward of characters and although he is fairly treated at present, he is a little inconsistent in his fencing. The fact that he took a heavy fall in the Grand National last season is also off-putting and he and cannot be confidently expected to get round safely here.
Church Place (IRE) In good form and his trainer has had this race in mind for him for a long time. He also comes here with a crack at the National at the back of his mind. Another who should no be discounted too quickly.
Meadowbank Back to form with a very convincing victory over Skillwise at Wetherby a fortnight ago, but his failure to complete his three previous outing casts a little doubt over his chance here. Should go well if he takes to the course though.
Paddy's Return (IRE) He can be given a sound chance on the pick of his form and his outing at Cheltenham in the Sporting Index will have boosted his confidence a little. However, he looks to have place claims at best realistically.
Amberleigh House (IRE) Put in a fair effort at Haydock last time but he has a big question to answer with regard to stamina.
No Retreat (NZ) Very hard to make a case for judging by his recent form and is best left alone at present.
Ardent Scout His form has a sketchy feel to it but he did put in one of his best performances of the season in this race last term. He could go well at a fair price but is not one to place too much faith in.
Native King (IRE) A bit to prove in this company but he should find the trip well within his compass if he can handle the course.
Kildorragh (IRE) Capable on his day but needs to find improvement to figure strongly here.
Skillwise Going well when he unseated Robert Thornton in last season's John Hughes Chase here and has been marked down as Grand National horse since. On first glance his form gives him a little to find but he does win in his turn and should not be ruled out too quickly here off a mark only 2lb higher than he raced off for his last victory at Haydock in April.
Young Tomo (IRE) Would appear to have a thankless task from 16lb out of the Handicap and is not hard to leave out of any betting plans here.
