keen hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, led 9th, mistake and headed 2 out, weakened and finished tired run in
held up in touch, always going well, headway 9th, led 2 out, soon clear, easily
chased leaders until hard ridden and weakened 3 out
chased leader to 6th, weakened 9th, broke blood vessel
mid-division, headway to chase leader 9th, hard ridden after 3 out, no extra and lost 3rd run in
held up, headway 4th, weakened 4 out
in rear, some headway 7th, soon lost place and behind
led to 9th, weakened quickly
held behind, mistakes, hard ridden and outpaced from 3 out
held up, pushed along 6th, stayed on from 3 out, took 3rd run in
A good way to kick-off the new season at Cheltenham and this is going to be a truly informative affair. The presence of Yorkshire in the field virtually ensures that this will be a truly run event and although he may not be the most straightforward of characters, he will be hard to catch if he is allowed an easy lead. Dai Williams' charge has found himself anchored by his penalties in lesser company and it will interesting how he gets on here in this better grade of contest. Another obvious contender is Ad Hoc, who makes a much belated debut over hurdles today. Paul Nicholls has reported that the gelding is being campaigned with the Grand National in mind this season and runs here so as to avoid any penalties should he be successful. Homeleigh Mooncoin and Dat My Horse also merit consideration after mopping up a handful of novice events between them through the summer. However, the unexposed Iris's Gift throws a bit of a spanner in the works and he gets the TEAMtalk vote on the grounds of value, despite him needing to prove his stamina, which is all important at National Hunt's biggest stage.
