held up, headway after 8th, ridden after 2 out, ran on to lead last strides
held up, mistake 3rd, pushed along when fell 7th
in touch, took closer order 8th, ridden approaching last, no extra flat
chased leaders, led approaching last, soon ridden, headed last strides
chased leader until ridden after 2 out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed approaching last, soon beaten
The Market Man lines up in good form and can beat the French raider Moulin Riche, with Prins Willem and Mighty Man seen as the best of the rest. The Market Man bounced back from an eight-month absence to score here in October and then defied an eight-pound rise when following up at Newbury. That was the day that Mick Fitzgerald made his comeback from injury, but you would not have know in as he sauntered home on Nicky Henderson's charge. This contest is a lot tougher than both of those handicaps, but he is definitely on the upgrade and will be suited by the slight drop back in trip today. Moulin Riche has already enjoyed success over here, having captured the Spa Novices' Hurdle at the Festival in March, and as he is not qualified for novice chases, will be kept to hurdles for the time being. A classy sort, he might just need the run today. Prins Willem is another that will pay to follow after today, having finished fourth in the Supreme Novices' before scoring over the course and distance on his final outing in April. Mighty Man, whose four wins last term included a Grade 2 affair at Aintree, was never in the hunt behind Lingo here on his reappearance, but will strip fitter now so is worth a mention too, but The Market Man has plenty going for him and can complete a hat-trick this term.
Mighty Man (FR) 10-1 (10-5) Mid-division, effort approaching 3 out, no progress from 2 out, 9th of 19, 13l behind Lingo (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in Nov.
Moulin Riche (FR) 7-2fav (11-4) Held up mid-division, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 17, 29l behind Asian Maze (10-11) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Apr.
Prins Willem (IRE) 13-8fav (11-4) Held up in rear, steady headway approaching 3 out to track leaders next, led before last, quickened clear, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gd in Apr beating Alderburn (11-4) by 6l, 12 ran.
The Market Man (NZ) 15-8fav (11-10) Held up, headway 3 out, led going well last, driven and stayed on well, won at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gd in Nov beating Amicelli (10-9) by 3l, 13 ran.
Yes Sir (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) Led to 2nd, remained handy until approaching 4th, soon lost touch, tailed off approaching 3 out, 18th of 19, 48l behind Lingo (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in Nov.
Penneyrose Bay 11-2jt-fav (11-7) Led to 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 9th of 23, 15l behind Hordago (10-1) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gs in Nov.
