with leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon chasing winner, hit last, kept on
tracked leaders, hit 6th, outpaced from next, soon struggling
led, ridden and headed after 4 out, weakened from next
held up in rear but in touch, led after 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, edged left, run in, driven out
Only four runners go to post for the opener but all have some sort of chance and the vote is given to According To John with Aces Four and Menchikov rating the main dangers. The selection has improve with each run over hurdles and won well last time out when beating Capybara. Granted this looks tougher but he is a progressive type and is taken to win again under conditions that suit. Aces Four rates the main danger as he won with plenty in hand when beating Canada Street last time out, but although he has won over trip trip his best form is over slightly shorter and for that reason he is opposed. Menchikov was a fair second behind Aztech Warrior last time and could improve for the step up in trip but he has yet to prove he stays this far and at likely odds he looks worth taking on. Zipalong Lad was a fair fourth at Aintree behind Stangely Brown and could go well but he will do well to give weight and a beating to the progressive selection According To John.
Zipalong Lad (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) With leaders, led 2nd, headed approaching 3rd, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace, 4th of 24, 6l behind Strangely Brown (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gs.
Menchikov (FR) 15-8 (11-7) Settled in touch, headway to track leaders 4th, chased leader 2 out, kept on under pressure run-in, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Aztec Warrior (11-2) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Aces Four (IRE) Evensfav (11-8) Made all, clear 3 out, easily, won at Ayr 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar beating Canada Street (11-1) by 14l, 8 ran.
According To John (IRE) 11-8fav (12-1) In touch, headway halfway, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, driven out, won at Carlisle 3m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar beating Capybara (11-3) by 1l, 10 ran.
