led until 2nd, tracked leader, blundered badly and hampered 11th, not recover, pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway 11th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, headway after 10th, blundered badly and hampered next, led 3 out, clear approaching last, eased run-in
chased leaders, blundered 5th (water), ridden after 11th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, ridden after 10th, no further impression from 4 out
chased leaders until 6th, outpaced 10th, stayed on again from 3 out
slowly away, took keen hold, led 2nd until 3 out, soon weakened
held up rear, pulled up after 6th, dismounted
held up, hit 6th, mistake 10th, headway after 11th, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
A wide open contest here and many would have chances on their best form but the principals look to be Tanikos, Duchamp, Powder Creek and Ghadames and the tentative vote is given to Duchamp. The selection was third behind Tanikos last time out but is better off at the weights with that rival here and with this faster surface in his favour he will be hard to beat. Powder Creek rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Compadre and although this looks tougher he has plenty of scope for improvement. Ghadames is sure to make a bold bid to make all the running but he ran as if in the handicappers grip last time and for that reason he is opposed. Do L'enfant D'eau is sure to run his race but looks more exposed than most. Of the remainder Fool On The Hill would be a danger to all if his jumping held up but that is a big if and for the winner we return to Duchamp.
Tanikos (FR) 10-1 Jumped well, chased leader, made most from 4th, in command 2 out, eased run-in, won at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Mar beating Marked Man by 12l, 8 ran.
Ghadames (FR) 33-1 In touch, led 12th until hit 3 out, weakened rapidly before next, 13th of 22, 44l behind Liberthine at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Fool On The Hill 66-1 In touch until approaching 5th, 25th of 30, well behind Fontanesi at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Duchamp (USA) 4-1 Chased leaders, challenged from 9th, close up 4 out, no impression from 2 out, lost 2nd run-in, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Tanikos at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Mar.
Do L'Enfant d'Eau (FR) 9-4 Tracked leader until left in lead 8th, headed next, ridden and weakening when blundered 2 out, 4th of 6, well behind Visibility at Towcester 2m nov chs (C) gs in Jan.
Tamango (FR) 5-1 Prominent, challenged from 9th, weakened after 4 out, 6th of 8, 29l behind Tanikos at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Mar.
Golden Crusader 7-1 Led and set good pace, clear 3rd, hit 8th and next, not fluent and headed 3 out, weakened from next, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Executive Decision at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Mar.
Tenseesee (FR) 12-1 Towards rear, headway 4 out, chased winner 2 out, kept on one-paced, 2nd of 10, 11l behind Sterling Stewart at Newbury 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Dec '01.
Powder Creek (IRE) 7-1 Held up in touch, headway 5 out, ridden 3 out, led next, stayed on under pressure flat, won at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) hvy in Mar beating Compadre by 4l, 8 ran.
