made most, ridden approaching last, ran on well
held up in touch, challenged winner from 27th, every chance 2 out, no extra approaching last
held up in rear, steady headway from 27th, still travelling well after 2 out, one pace approaching last
held up, jumped slowly 16th, headway 25th, chased winner after 2 out, hung left approaching last, not quickened flat
held up, mistake 27th, headway after 4 out, stayed on same pace
prominent, lost place 11th, behind from 5 out
prominent, mistake 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before last
held up in rear, mistake 20th, some headway 27th, mistake 4 out, soon struggling
tracked leaders, hit 27th, soon weakened
prominent until lost place 22nd, behind when mistake 26th, tailed off from 4 out
This course brought the best out of Spot Thediffernce last month and he should again go close, but he has more to do at the weights this time and is taken on with Bright Approach, who loves his racing at Prestbury Park and is expected to enjoy the challenge of these unique fences. French Executive and Star Performance are others to seriously consider, while Luzcadou is not out of it if he arrives here in the right frame of mind. The last mentioned has a tendency to throw in the odd stinker though and he is not one to trust implicitly. A glance at his completion rate tells its own story. Star Approach is also fancied to get the better of Spot Thediffernce on 5lb better terms than the last time they met. Being a lightly raced individual, he is still open to improvement and it will be no surprise to see Cheltenham's Irish contingent get behind him this afternoon. However, he does find it hard to force his head in front and stay there, so is vulnerable to a more determined type in a finish. French Executive is presently on a roll and has plenty of experience to draw from. Paul Nicholls has a fair record in races of this nature and his charge should again be on the premises here. However, Bright Approach always seems to run pounds above himself when he races at his favourite track and he looks worth a small investment at the likely prices today. The distance is not a problem for this tough old performer and, as he receives the best part of a stone in weight from the top weight, Bright Approach has rock solid claims on the terms of the race.
