led 1st until narrowly headed approaching 6th, stayed close up until weakened after 2 out
led to 1st, pressed leader, led narrowly approaching 6th, mistake next and 3 out, headed between last 2, every chance last, not quicken flat
in touch until weakened 3 out
prominent when stumbled badly on landing and lost place 1st, tailed off from 4th, pulled up before last
held up in touch, headway to chase leading trio when mistake 2 out, stayed on under pressure, pressed leading pair last, edged right and not quicken flat
reluctant to race, recovered and soon tracked leaders, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
in touch until weakened and lost touch from 6th, tailed off and pulled up before last
tracked leaders, led between last 2, hard pressed last, kept on well flat
Nicky Henderson's Long Shot gets the vote here ahead of Ask Me What and Danse Slave. The selection was allowed to dominate when successful on her seasonal return and, although from disgraced last time, this looks a more-acceptable level of company for her. She beat Ask Me What by two lengths on that return and, given that that one is now four pounds better off - having included her rider's allowance - must hold chances in the hands of Tony McCoy. She would, though, probably prefer some cut in the going. Danse Slave looked progressive when winning at Exeter at the end of last season and can go well if fit and sharp enough on her return to action. Of the others, Madam Flora might be vulnerable on her seasonal bow, La Luna won a conditional jockeys event before coming unstuck when upped in class and Mill Emerald looks beatable off her revised mark. Overall, then, we'll side with Long Shot.
