held up, headway after 8th, with leaders 4 out, led 3 out easily
led after 1st, headed approaching 4 out, held 4th when fell last
in touch, headway 6th to track leader, with leaders 4 out, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened next
led 1st, settled in touch, weakened rapidly after 8th
mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, one pace next
behind, headway after 8th, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on flat
held up in touch, with leaders 4 out, soon no chance with winner
with leader 5th, weakened approaching 4 out
joined the field at 5th, but always behind
Lotus des Picton gets the call here over Charm Offensive, Alfa Sunrise and Hi Tech. The selection has won two of his last three races, winning from a mark of 114 last time. The others are going to have to improve on what they have so far shown to get past him here. Looking at the others. Charm Offensive would have claims if getting back to the level of form that saw her win at Towcester in November. True Lover showed ability in France but has yet to repeat it in this country and has a bit to find with Alfa Sunrise based on their Newbury runs in January. On the back of that effort, though, the latter can be given a squeak. Rendari won a bumper in Ireland in 2002 but has yet to show much over hurdles in this country. Hi Tech was noted staying on at Kempton last time on his first try at this trip. He could be very interesting now in what looks to be a less-competitive affair. Avadi has shown promise in bumpers and hurdles so it would not entirely be a surprise to see this gelded son of Un Desperado go well. However, the one to beat looks to be Lotus des Pictons, and he gets the vote.
