tended to jump right, tracked leaders, hit 11th, went 2nd 12th to 15th, driven after 4 out, no impression on leading pair after 3 out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, led 9th, headed last, ridden flat, no extra
raced keenly, tracked leaders, went 2nd 10th to 12th and again 15th, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, stayed on
held up in last, in touch, not fluent 10th or 12th, hit next, driven after 4 out, went 3rd briefly after 3 out, soon no impression
jumped slowly early, led to 9th, reminder after 11th, struggling from 14th, mistake 15th, tailed off
Bauhaus is the pick over Megaton and Ortega. Bauhaus was successful twice over hurdles, and has gained experience with two outings over fences so far, both over shorter trips. That is the key, as this step up to three miles should ensure that he has a major say in the outcome today. Likewise Megaton, who was well behind Blaeberry at Stratford last time, but his front-running style will make him a sitting duck for the selection. Ortega was not fluent enough at Folkestone last time, but his young trainer Charlie Longsdon will have acted to put matters right and schooled him intensively, so he can progress. Delightful Cliche has won over hurdles round here and will have no problems staying, but is best watched as he now tackles the bigger obstacles, and we prefer the claims of Bauhaus.
Bauhaus (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) In touch, hit 6th and 12th, ridden 4 out, held 3 out, 4th of 14, 9l behind Warpath (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
Delightful Cliche 14-1 (11-12) Held up in 4th, mistake 2nd, went 3rd 8th until after next, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 13, 39l behind City Streets (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Oct.
Megaton 8-1 (11-2) Led until approaching 7th, not fluent 8th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 4, 28l behind Blaeberry (10-9) at Stratford 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf.
Ortega (FR) 5-2 (11-4) Behind, blundered 9th, hit 3 out, one pace from next, 2nd of 5, 21l behind Santando (11-4) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
Sintos 25-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, driven 6th, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 32l behind Santando (11-4) at Folkestone 3m 1f beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
