with leader, not fluent 6th, led narrowley 8th, not fluent 3 out, ridden and joined last, battled on gamely flat, all out
tracked leaders, weakened quickly 14th, pulled up before next
held up, ridden along from 11th, weakened 4 out, lost poor 3rd near finish
led to 8th, chased winner to 14th, weakened 4 out, stayed on under pressure to take poor 3rd near finish
behind when slithered on landing and fell 1st
in rear, weakened 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 16th
tracked leaders, chased winner from 14th, closed after 3 out, every chance last, strong challenge flat, always just held
Behrajan runs here in preference to the Welsh National and has reportedly been intensively schooled since his disappointing reappearance run in Ireland. Thought of as a potential Gold Cup horse by his handler, the seven-year-old is difficult to recommend with any confidence until he shows that his jumping has improved. Carbury Cross has struggled against the handicapper since winning at Aintree in April and has shown little sign of encouragement in two starts this term. Nicky Henderson's potentially top class Ikrenel Royal has not been seen since winning at Sandown's Finale meeting two years ago and is probably best watched, while Francois Doumen's Innox has struggled to get his head in front since winning at Warwick in novice company last term. With neither Exit To Wave nor Jimmy Tennis making much appeal on the evidence of recent efforts this is likely to lie between Zafarabad and Truckers Tavern. The former has not been seen since winning the skybet.com Gold Cup in October and, although seemingly still well treated on his running there having been raised just 6lbs since, the form of the race has taken some knocks and we prefer to side with Ferdy Murphy's runner. A leading novice last season, the son of Phardante made a highly satisfactory return to action at Kelso earlier in the month when looking in need of the outing and not unduly punished. Sure to strip fitter for that outing, he gets the vote.
