chased leaders, led 5 out, ridden after 3 out, headed next, weakened last
held up in touch, headway 11th, went 2nd after 3 out, led next, ran on well
chased leaders until mistake 11th, ridden and weakened 3 out
led, mistake 9th and 12th, headed 5 out, stayed on to chase winner last, no impression
held up, reminders after 10th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 11th
held up in touch, mistake and pecked 11th, mistake 13th, one pace from 3 out
There is not a lot between these on the best of their form but Spring Grove is a useful tool on his day and he is selected over Arctic Challenge, Prominent Profile and Idealko this afternoon. The presence of Needwood Lion should ensure that this is run at a fair clip which should play to the strengths of Robert Alner's charge as he is best when he can settle on the back of a fair pace. Arctic Challenge has plenty on at the weights so Prominent Profile could be the one to spoil the party for the Alner team. However, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained 10-year-old can take a few liberties at his fences and he, as usual, will keep his supporters guessing right up until he negotiates the final obstacle. In contrast, Spring Grove's jumping problems are very much a thing of the past and it is his ability to be sure-footed at speed that swings the pendulum in his favour here.
