tracked leader, challenged 3 out, led approaching next, ridden and two lengths clear fell last
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
held up towards rear, pushed along 3 out, stayed on same pace from next
tracked leaders, lost place approaching 3 out, gradually weakened
pulled hard in touch, headway 4 out, every chance next, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, headway 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, left in lead last, driven out flat
An opportunity here for Cosmic Case, who has been in good form over both hurdles and on the level. Both a winner and runner-up on his last two starts here, the seven-year-old was unlucky to be brought down at Bangor when favourite last time. The likely jolly again here, he can recover those losses over trip and ground that he clearly enjoys. Despite his below par effort last time, Martin Pipe's L'Etang Blue can't be dismissed lightly here after a 7lb drop in the weights, and with the assistance of Tony McCoy from the saddle. Having said all that, he does tend to find one or two too quick for him and may have to wait even longer to break his maiden tag over the sticks. Welsh Main has a 4lb pull with Cosmic Case for a three-quarter-length defeat here last month and on that basis has to come into calculations, though the ground is plenty quick enough for him at the moment. Another one to consider is Peter Monteith-trained Ambushed. Though he wouldn't have won, he looked booked for a place here last time before coming down at the last and despite a disappointing effort on the flat recently, he will would have to have a chance if producing his running here. Xaipete looks a shadow of his former-self now and cannot be supported with any confidence.
