keen, close up, led 4th, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, weakened flat
close up, ridden and weakened after 3 out
held up towards rear, headway to join leaders 3 out, every chance when blundered last
close up, ridden 3 out, mistake next, ridden and kept on one pace
held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
joined leader 4 out, every chance from 2 out, led last, all out
led, headed 4th, remained close up, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up in rear, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat
The shortlist here consists of Half An Hour, Xellance and Make Haste Slowly, with the vote going to Xellance. The Philip Hobbs-trained selection was a good Ludlow winner over fences the time before last and then ran respectably over hurdles at Cheltenham last time. He looks the type to continue progressing and gets a chance to prove that point today. Half An Hour probably had quite a tough task at Wincanton last time but, prior to that, had shown plenty of chasing promise. He does not lack for chasing experience either and that can stand him in good stead and he can go well. Make Haste Slowly won well at Ludlow on his chasing debut and, despite being chancy on one or two occasions, travelled well throughout the race and is another that we can see going well. Each of the other runners has a profile that says their connections will be very hopeful that they can win races over fences but, for today, we will side with experience and stick with Xellance.
