prominent, hit 5th, reminders 8th, in touch when fell 10th
blundered and unseated rider 1st
held up in mid-division, lost place 6th, ridden 8th, no impression
led, disputed lead 3rd, headed 9th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leader, disputed lead 3rd, bumped jumping 4th, led after 9th, clear 4 out, mistake 2 out, readily
held up last, mistake 3rd, outpaced 8th, stayed on to go 2nd approaching last, hit last
A small but select line-up for a race named in honour of one of the great Nation Hunt trainers of the post-war era can go to Waterlaw, with, for us, his main danger being Bush Park. The selection won a course and distance handicap from a mark of 94 in December and defied a seven-pound rise in the ratings to win at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. He has been raised a further eight pounds for today's race but, clearly on an upward curve of improvement, might be up to scoring again. Phar Jeffen is back to a winning mark, has a five-pound claimer on his back and, blinkered for the first time, can't be ruled out of things. Wild Knight won a course and distance novices' event in December but disappointed at Kempton next time out. If you can forgive him that run, he is not without a chance although this will be only his fourth run over fences. Bush Park is holding his form well and is just five pounds higher in the ratings than for his Chepstow win in November. He has to be considered. The other three have a bit to find on what they have so far achieved, although Selberry has won here before and Koquelicot certainly improved for being sent over fences last time. Overall, though, we'll stick with Waterlaw to notch a straight hat-trick of wins.
