tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 10th, pushed along and 3 lengths down when left well clear 2 out, ridden out flat
led until 8th, blundered next, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
held up towards rear, still well behind 3 out, stayed on one-paced to take 2nd flat, no chance with winner
with leader, led 8th, 3 lengths clear and still going well when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
held up towards rear, behind when pecked 4 out, never dangerous
held up in touch, headway 10th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, left 2nd next, weakened flat
held up, not fluent 2nd, pulled up and dismounted after 4th
Ross Moff (ran at Cheltenham on Friday) must be considered a doubtful runner but if none the worse for his exertions then would not be without a chance over a trip that suits. Jonjo O'Neill's Master Tern is well treated but is a frustrating horse and not always reliable over fences. He is probably best watched. Martin Pipe's Golden Alpha, a useful performer at his best over hurdles, earned valuable chasing experience when mopping up in novice events during the summer and not surprisingly had to give second best to Azertyuiop when returning last month. He looks to have his fair share of weight for what he has achieved over fences. Henrietta Knight's Red Blazer is now beginning to show the sort of ability that he always promised but does most of his racing and winning on flatter tracks and may not be suited by the undulations of Cheltenham. Barren Lands has more to do than when winning at Hereford last time, while Nicky Henderson's Demasta may need this after a break. The TEAMtalk selection then is the Paul Nicholls-trained Kadarann. The stable continues in fine form and with improvement to come for his second to Moscow Flyer at Down Royal last month, the five-year-old may be up to the task of giving weight and a beating to his older rivals.
