disputed lead, drew clear after 12th, ridden, edged left and headed last, weakened flat
disputed lead until 12th, soon driven along, closed on leader approaching 2 out, led last, soon headed, no extra close home
chased leaders, ridden to close on leader approaching 2 out, led soon after last, driven out
tracked leaders, pecked 9th, blundered 14th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
This looks to be a straight match-up between Boychuk and Always Waining and the vote is given to the first mentioned. The selection was a useful hurdler and he looks as though he will have a decent future in this sphere as well. He put in a sound effort last time when chasing home Ungaro at Kempton on ground that was far from ideal. He will relish today's conditions and he looks the one to be on. Always Waining just managed to get the better of Black Hills last time out but he had the race run to suit that day and he will need to step-up on that effort to get the better of our selection today. It will be a surprise if either Ballyfoy or Gentleman Jimmy are good enough and the first mentioned only won last time because it was a walk over. Boychuk has the most solid form on show here and with the ground also in his favour he can land the prize.
Always Waining (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led soon after last, ran on gamely, won at Newbury 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd beating Black Hills (11-6) by a hd, 7 ran.
Boychuk (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Mostly tracked leading pair, challenged and jumped left 3 out, went 2nd before last, no impression, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Ungaro (11-7) at Kempton 3m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Dec.
Ballyfoy (IRE) (11-2) walked over at Exeter 3m 1f nov chs (3) hvy in Feb.
Gentleman Jimmy 4-1fav (11-10) Held up in touch, hit 10th, went 3rd well before 3 out, stayed at one pace from next, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Bible Lord (11-9) at Lingfield 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs.
