Jumped well, led until 2nd, tracked leader, led again 9th, clear before 3 out, stayed on strongly, eased towards finish, impressive tchd Evens tchd 6/5 in places
Held up tracking leaders, went 3rd 8th, disputing close 2nd after next, outright 2nd when hit 10th, dropped to 3rd next, tracked winner again 12th, hit next, ridden and no impression before 3 out, just held on for 2nd op 11/8 tchd 6/4
Led 2nd until 9th, chased winner until not fluent 10th, chased leading trio until outpaced 14th, rallied after 2 out, took modest 3rd last strides, almost snatched 2nd
Took keen hold, held up last, headway on outside tracking leaders 4th, went 3rd approaching 7th until next, ran wide on bend after 9th, went 2nd 11th until next, chased leading pair, ridden and no impression before 2 out, lost modest 3rd last strides op 20/1 tchd 25/1
Took keen hold early, not fluent 1st, tracked leading pair until approaching 7th until next, chased leaders, 4th when hit 14th, ridden and no impression before 3 out, weakened from next
Thistlecrack (11/10), Cue Card (5/4), Josses Hill (8/1), Silviniaco Conti (20/1), Tea For Two (25/1)
CUE CARD took this at the fourth time of asking 12 months ago after thwarting the valiant efforts of a highly rated younger rival, who had been a top class hurdler but was a less experienced chaser. Thistlecrack as a more assured stayer than the ill-fated Vautour may be a different proposition, but it is difficult to overlook that the selection is proven and has achieved things over fences that his junior stablemate aspires to. With two front runners in the race a strong pace looks likely and Thistlecrack faces a stern test of his jumping prowess and this is a big ask for any novice. Josses Hill looks best of the rest after making all to win the Peterborough Chase last time out.
1. Cue Card
2. Thistlecrack
3. Josses Hill