led, pushed along and headed 4 out, in 3rd and beaten when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
always behind, left poor 3rd 3 out
tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden approaching last, clear flat
tracked leaders and keen, went second approaching 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
Steppes of Gold can beat Benbyas in what looks to be a two-horse race on paper. This race has cut up badly as there were some other interesting animals entered at the five-day stage, and with little to beat, Steppes of Gold should oblige, albeit at a shortish price. Jonjo O'Neill's charge was extremely well thought of by former handler Nicky Richards who could not believe how much speed the horse showed at home. Successful three times over hurdles, he looks a very exciting prospect over fences indeed. He is sure to have been well schooled, and after today, if everything works out, they can start making plans for Cheltenham perhaps, with a crack at the Arkle not out of the question. He has certainly frightened away most of the intended opposition, with Benbyas best of those left in. However, he was not in the same league as the selection over timber and has an absence to overcome, while Nicky Henderson's Dungarvans Choice has also been sidelined. With Tony McCoy in the saddle, Steppes of Gold will be hard to beat.
