prominent, led 13th, clear 17th, mistake 3 out, unchalleged
held up, went 3rd 15th, jumped left from 16th, ridden 17th, weakened 3 out
in touch when mistake 7th, pulled up before next
led, not fluent 1st, headed 13th, ridden approaching 17th, kept on, no chance with winner from 4 out, mistake 3 out
with leaders until 12th, soon ridden, behind and pulled up before 17th
always towards rear, mistake 15th, tailed off
This looks at the mercy of Neptune Collonges despite conceding weight all round as a result of his Grade 1 penalty. Paul Nicholls' charge fails to get credit due to his sublime stablemates but connections have always reiterated that a flat, right handed track is what suits him best. He travelled extremely well in the Letheby and Christopher last time but a mistake three out put paid to his chances. He should posses too much class for these rivals. Naunton Brook is selected to chase home the selection. He relishes a test of stamina as displayed at Warwick last time. Similar conditions will not exist today. Butler's Cabin appears a classier sort to Naunton Brook but connections will have one eye on the Grand National. Two outings this season have been disappointing but hopefully he can get his season back on track here en-route to Aintree. Neptune Collonges should land this feature event.
Neptune Collonges (FR) 3-1jt-fav (11-10) Led, pecked 9th, mistake 3 out, soon ridden and headed, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Knowhere (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Butler's Cabin (FR) 20-1 (11-11) Held up, lost touch 14th, tailed off, 7th of 11, well behind Gungadu (11-5) at Sandown 3m hcp chs (2) sft.
Mon Mome (FR) 16-1 (11-1) Always in touch, blundered 14th, ridden and one pace from 2 out, no impression on leading trio approaching last, 4th of 23, 8l behind Joes Edge (10-6) at Cheltenham 3m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Mar.
Naunton Brook 18-1 (11-9) Led 2nd for 16th, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 13, 11l behind D'Argent (11-7) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Jan.
Preacher Boy 20-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, mistakes, ridden after 4 out, went 2nd approaching last but no chance with winner, hung right flat, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Maljimar (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Jan.
Niche Market (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Towards rear, reminder 7th, mistake and unseated rider at the 8th in race won by Crystal d'Ainay (11-7) at Exeter 2m 7f Grad Ch (2) gs, 10 ran.
