tracked leaders, ridden and one pace from 4 out
mid-division ridden and weakened 11th
never better than mid-division
always prominent, tracked leader from 9th, led 4 out, ridden 3 out, kept on
mid-division, mistake 5th (water) weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
always in rear, behind from 8th, tailed off when almost unseated rider 3 out, pulled up 2 out
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
led, hit 4th and 11th, ridden when headed 4 out, plugged on
in rear and mistakes, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
held up, mistake 4th, headway to go in touch 9th, ridden to chase clear leaders from 5 out, soon weakened
mid-division and mistakes, well behind from 11th, stayed on well from 4 out to take 2nd on line
Do L'Enfant d'Eau is selected ahead of Lalagune, with Big Max and Another Native seen as potential dangers. Philip Hobbs won this race last year with Christopher, and in Do L'Enfant d'Eau has another fancied candidate. The six-year-old gave a good account on his chase debut here last time, finishing third to Ashley Brook, and although well held by the winner and second, should improve over this slightly longer trip. He took on very good company over hurdles but suffered at the hands of the handicapper as a consequence, and is sure to pay to follow in his new career. Lalagune was not in the same league as the selection over the smaller obstacles, but has time on her side, and the fact that she was sent off as favourite on her first try over fences at Huntingdon last month suggests that she is one to keep on the right side of. Big Max is well held by the selection on a line through Backbeat, but does have vastly more experience over fences than most of these, while in contrast, the ex-Irish Another Native will be brought along steadily by his patient trainer. In a race that should not take too much winning, Do L'Enfant d'Eau is the pick.
