held up in rear and keen, headway 4 out, chased leader 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, blundered badly 13th, went 2nd 4 out, led approaching next, kept on well
with leader, led 6th to 9th, led again 15th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, no impression
led to 6th, led again 9th until headed 15th, ridden next, soon weakened
An uncompetitive contest and, barring accidents, this looks a good opportunity for Karadin to make a winning return following a seven-month break. Robert Buckler's gelding was a useful performer over hurdles and has proved equally effective over the larger obstacles, having landed a similar event at Newton Abbot last August. The son of Akarad goes well on a fast surface and wouldn't need to be cherry ripe to take the beating at this level. Far Dawn was a smart hurdler at his best but has clearly been difficult to train over the last couple of seasons and looked a shadow of himself on his belated return at Leicester last month. Jazz du Forez has become disappointing and has plenty to find on his chasing debut so River Gold, who at least showed he retains some ability last time, may be the one to chase home the selection.
