in touch, tracked winner after 11th, ridden before 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up 4th, chased leaders before 3 out, ridden to chase winner before last, no chance
led to 3rd, tracked winner afterwards, weakened after 11th
jumped well, led after 3rd, stayed on strongly from 3 out, clear before last, easily
behind, ridden and beaten before 9th, unseated rider before 11th
held up towards rear, some headway 8th, one pace, never nearer
mid-division, ridden and weakened 7th, well behind when pulled up before 3 out
held up and behind, ridden when badly hampered 8th, no chance afterwards, pulled up before 2 out
held up in mid-division when hit and fell 8th
always in rear duo, lost touch before 7th, tailed off
behind, ridden when stumbled badly and almost fell 9th, soon tailed off
led to 3rd, tracked winner afterwards, slightly lost place before 10th, stayed on from 3 out but beaten when blundered 2 out, plugged on
held up in rear, never near leaders, lost touch from 7th
Monte Vista is an interesting contender from the yard of Jonjo O'Neill but with most of the stable's horses needing their first outing of the campaign he may be best watched and preference is for Bob Bob Bobbin, who gets the vote ahead of Copsale Lad. The selection showed decent form over hurdles last season, including with cut in the ground, and has always looked likely to do better once switched to the larger obstacles. If fit enough Colin Tizzard's gelding may well be good enough. Like most of the runners from the stable of Paul Nicholls, Quid Pro Quo is expected to need the run and of more interest may be Alderburn, although Henry Daly's gelding is another that lacks a recent outing. Olney Lad has at least had a recent spin but does not look good enough, while Zabenz is another lacking an outing this term but could be of interest if fit enough. Copsale Lad fits into the same category but Nicky Henderson can generally be relied upon to have one ready after an absence and he has to be respected. Obviously lack of a previous run this term and chasing experience has to be of concern for backers of Bob Bob Bobbin but he has the look of a chaser and may be good enough to beat these.
Alderburn 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 7th, every chance before last, not pace of winner flat, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Prins Willem (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gd in Apr.
Back Nine (IRE) 5-1 (10-4) Held up, mistakes 6th, headway next, mistake 8th, weakened and pulled up 4 out in race won by Blue Business (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl 0-145 (B) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Bob Bob Bobbin 20-1 (11-7) Keen, mid-division, headway 6th, led 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra flat, 4th of 18, 6l behind Moulin Riche (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gd in Mar.
Copsale Lad 8-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway to go 2nd 8th, hit 4 out, ridden after next, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Joes Edge (11-9) at Aintree 2m 4f amt nov hcp chs (B) gs in Apr.
Monte Vista (IRE) 7-2co-fav (11-5) Held up, headway when mistake 6th, ridden to go 2nd after 2 out, soon every chance, switched left after last, not quicken, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Brewster (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gd in Nov.
Quid Pro Quo (FR) 7-2 (11-8) In touch, took closer order 7th, ridden and every chance 3 out, one pace when not fluent 2 out, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Commercial Flyer (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Apr.
Olney Lad 7-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, 4th of 7, 20l behind Iris's Gift (11-10) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (C) gs.
