held up in touch, mistake 6th, stayed on for remote 2nd
held up, headway 7th, led 12th, soon in command, easy
held up, brought down 2nd
held up, headway 12th, soon ridden and beaten
close up, fell 2nd
close up, led approaching 6th, headed 10th, beaten when hampered by loose horse after 3 out
led, headed approaching 6th, led again 10th, headed 12th, weakened and mistake next
Course and distance winner Regal Chance is bound to be a popular choice with backers for this novices' handicap chase and has to be respected. Alan King's gelding run out the five-length winner of a similar contest here last month and, off an 8lb higher mark, has obvious claims. However, he may not represent great value and could be worth taking on. Emma Lavelle's Banjo Hill has slipped to an attractive mark but needs to improve to figure, while Oliver Sherwood's Shannon Quest is unproven over the trip and has shown no indication that the longer distance would suit. With the large majority of the field looking pretty exposed, we take a a chance on the ability of Bankersdraft. Richard Guest's gelding, who was formerly with Ginger McCain, is open to more improvement than most after just nine starts - only three of which have been for current connections - showing signs of ability on his reappearance behind Inch Perfect on his reappearance this term. A faller over three miles here last time, the son of Mazaad has a featherweight 10st to carry and, with the stable continuing in such great form, it would come as no surprise to see him pop up at a big price.
