led, headed approaching 3rd, stayed prominent until ridden and weakened 3 out
in touch when mistake and fell 3rd
held up and keen, tracked leader, stayed in touch until ridden after 5th, weakened soon after, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden to chased winner soon after 3 out, every chance 2 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, driven 4th and some headway, ridden and stayed on from 3 out, no chance with winner
in touch, headway approaching 6th, ridden and weakened 2 out, pulled up before last
behind throughout, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 4 out
in touch, lost place on bend after 2nd, soon behind and pulled up after 3rd
prominent, narrow leader 3rd, challenged 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out and hit, clear approaching last, comfortable
held up rear, some headway after 5th, weakening when hit 2 out
in touch, driven approaching 3 out, faded
towards rear, ridden after 5th, soon one pace
behind, pulled up 3 out
tracked leaders until weakened approaching 3 out, soon behind
in touch, ridden to chase leaders after 5th, mistake 3 out, one pace and hit last
The form of Optimate's fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last November sets the standard here and Rod Millman's charge is the one they will all have to beat here. The list of dangers includes: The French-bred Oh Vlo, Salhood and Charter Flair, who are all open to improvement in this sphere. Whereas Pilgrim's Progress has a little to prove after in the first time head-gear after disappointing last time. Another to consider is Jonjo O'Neill's representative and a keen eye should be focused on the market for signs of confidence behind Global Challenge, who was just short of Listed class on the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute but obviously didn't progress as desired after winning a conditions event at Newmarket and now finds himself switching codes in a bid to revive his career. His well documented leg problems (fractured cannon bone) are now a thing of the past and hopefully O'Neill can place him to good effect in the near future. However, the likelihood is that he will need this experience and he is passed over in favour of Optimate today. The selection has improved with each run over hurdles and shaped as if there was plenty more to come when registering a comprehensive victory over course and distance last month. Optimate was also very useful on the Flat and has already proved that he has retained the necessary turn of foot required to quicken at the end of two miles on rain softened ground.
