held up in touch, reminders and lost place 10th, rallied 4 out, led 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well
held up towards rear, headway 12th to track leaders, ridden when every chance last, no extra flat
tracked leaders, left in lead 14th, ridden and headed after 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden 8th, weakened 11th, jumped left 12th, pulled up before 13th
prominent and mistake 1st, left in lead 3rd, headed 6th, led again 7th, just headed when hampered by loose horse after 13th, pulled up before 14th
held up towards rear, headway 9th, mistake 11th, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leader, mistake 3rd, led briefly 6th, stayed prominent until narrow leader when hampered after 13th, lost place, soon beaten, blundered badly 2 out
held up mid-division, ridden 8th, weakened 13th
in rear, lost touch 9th, pulled up before next
tracked leaders, mistake 6th, slightly hampered after 13th, soon ridden chasing leaders when weakening and bad mistake 3 out and 2 out
led and mistake 1st, fell 2nd
Nonrunner
Alpine Slave is a progressive sort who can account for Isotop and Bak To Bill in this beginners' chase. Alpine Slave was a winner over hurdles for Josh Gifford last March and since going over fences has shaped quite well. This represents a drop in grade for the seven-year-old who finished third in a class C event last month and now looks the time to back him. Isotop is also going the right way, albeit slowly and can be considered for a place at least. Bak To Bill has been ridden many times by Lucy Gardner, and although the combination parted company at Exeter last time, they did get round safely in third at Kempton prior to that, so he is another to make a note of. Nothing else makes too much appeal and this represents the best chance yet for Alpine Slave to open his account over fences.
