tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd and going well approaching 4 out, led after 3 out, challenged and blundered 2 out, soon headed, no extra
tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, held up in touch, pushed along approaching 9th, soon lost place
led, ridden and jumped left and blundered 3 out, soon headed, weakened from 2 out
held up, mistake 11th, went 4th from 9th, led 2 out, kept on
tracked leader, took closer order 7th, pushed along approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out
GENERAL HARDI just about secures the vote ahead of Just For Men and Dawn Ride. A check of the paddock might be advised before this race as the horse is having his first run of the campaign. However, John Wade's horses have been in good nick and he did take this race last year with Jeringa. Just For Men should appreciate the ground. He acts on the surface though can prove vulnerable to a finisher. Dawn Ride is a course specialist who ordinarily jumps well but failed to do so last time out. Oniz Tiptoes looks out of form and is best watched at present. Sparkling Taff has shown ability on the surface in the past and will be in receipt of plenty of weight. General Hardi is the call in a race where none of the participants can be eliminated readily.
Just For Men (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) In rear, blundered 7th, pulled up before 11th, in a race won by Antonius Caesar (11-5) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Apr, 11 ran.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Chased leaders to 7th, soon behind, 13th of 14, 31l behind River Logic (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 3f cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) hvy.
General Hardi 13-8fav (11-8) Tracked winner, hit 13th, weakened from approaching last, 3rd of 5, 46l behind Nile Moon (11-7) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Dawn Ride (IRE) 7-2 (9-13) Held up in rear, blundered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Zitenka (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft, 8 ran.
Sparkling Taff 8-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, led approaching 3 out, headed next, weakened approaching last, 6th of 11, 9l behind Newman Des Plages (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.