mistakes, led to after 1st, chased leader, not fluent 4th, driven next, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, hit 1st and next, chased winner from 5th, effort going well from 2 out, ridden and no impression approaching last
prominent, hit 1st, driven along and outpaced before 2 out
in rear, not fluent 3rd, lost touch and tailed off from 5th
led after 1st, jumped right 3 out, not fluent next, driven approaching last, kept on well run in
The Martin Pipe/ Tony McCoy team are always difficult to oppose in races of this nature and Ryders Storm is likely to take all the beating in this informative little contest. The gelding does however, pick up an 8lb penalty for his exertions so far and he looked far from a straightforward ride when clawing his way to victory at Fontwell last month. Therefore he is not one to go completely overboard about despite him being the obvious selection to land decent prize-money on offer for the winner. A line through Aston Vale gives Gabor every chance of stopping Ryders Storm landing the four-timer and, in receipt of 4lb from the Pipe horse, he is just favoured as the TEAMtalk selection on the grounds of value. Galant Eye will have his work cut out to reverse the form with McCoy's mount from last time out, so Almnadia may be the best of the rest with experience over hurdles. Rhetoric could come into the reckoning for a place if he takes to hurdles at the first attempt in public.
