led, driven before 8th, headed soon after 3 out, weakend before next
in rear, mistake 3rd, headway 8th, close up when mistake and pecked badly 3 out, blundered 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd flat, no chance with winner
mistakes, in rear, tailed off before 3 out
took keen hold early, raced wide, tracked leaders, mistake 3 out, chased winner but no impression when mistake last, no extra flat
held up behind leaders, effort and mistake 3 out, stayed on same pace
raced wide, jumped right 1st, tracked leaders and always going well, went 2nd 4 out, led on bit after 3 out, soon clear, eased flat
in touch, ridden after 5th, weakened 8th, mistake 4 out, tailed off and pulled up before last
prominent, jumped slowly 4th, lost touch from 8th
pressed leader until weakened after 9th
This is a dreadful contest to open the card, with Springer the Lad, The Teuchter, and Safari Paradise likely to fight it out at the finish, and we will take a chance on the latter. The gelding from the Martin Pipe yard was well beaten on his chasing debut in this country last time behind Rodalko, and although his form over hurdles is nothing special, it will not have to be to win this moderate affair. He has shown some form in France over hurdles and will also have no problems with the trip or ground, so gets the tentative vote. Springer the Lad could give our selection the most to do as he will come on for his reappearance at Folkestone last time when he was third behind Foxmeade Dancer. Overall though he has been a disappointment to follow, so is opposed for that reason here. Violent did show some form on the flat but been disappointing over the obstacles, while The Teuchter showed a game attitude when just beaten by Watermouse last time at Towcester, and a reproduction of that effort would see him go close. It is difficult to enthuse about any of these, and Safari Paradise gets the narrow vote.
