made all, mistake 3 out, soon ridden and hung left, left clear next, went left and mistake last, unchallenged
held up and behind, ridden after 3 out, went poor 2nd flat, no chance with winner
held up and not fluent, left poor 2nd 2 out, never on terms
tracked winner, switched right and challenging when crumpled landing 2 out, remounted
held up 20 lengths in 3rd, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
Only six turn out for this event, having obviously been scared away by the prospect of taking on The Biker. There is no doubt that there is better to come from Pipe's ex-Irish bumper winner, but is he the good thing that he looks on paper. The time of his Uttoxeter success was well above average, even granted the soft ground, and after dismounting, Tony McCoy said that the horse will be better suited to less testing conditions. With that in mind it is worth pointing out the the going here is heavy, and The Biker might just have a fight on his hands against Mister Welland. His ability to handle the going is also open to question, but coming as he does from a powerful stable, and receiving weight from the favourite, TEAMtalk are going to be brave and make Mister Welland the selection. He certainly sailed home on his second bumper start at Stanton and will make a smashing chaser in time. Henrietta Knight always prepares hers well, so expect a good show from the Commanche Run gelding Howrwenow, who will come on for his introduction.
