Got the RP/Sporting Life database from up to 30 years ago so I'm going to go through some of the comments the trainers said before hand prior to the race and see if we can possibly find any trends into the behaviourism of their speach.
Here's what they said
2005
Tom Taaffe (Kicking King): "I expect him to show the benefit of that run at Punchestown and I'm very happy with him right now," said Taaffe yesterday. "His final serious piece of work last Friday was very good and he'll just have a canter tomorrow.
"He's very adaptable, so running at Haydock for the first time shouldn't be a bother. Going-wise, he's probably best on perfect jumping ground, like it was for the Gold Cup. But he has won on atrocious ground in Ireland so, again, that's not a worry."
Robert Alner (Kingscliff): "Haydock is dead flat and the trip is the same as at Wetherby. In terms of facing Ollie Magern again, Kingscliff would probably prefer a longer trip against him.
"I'm not confident of re-versing the form with him and, of course, there are many other good horses, too.
"We're all set, though, and I'm very happy with the way Kingscliff has been working lately. He has come on for his run at Wetherby. The going won't matter and Rob Walford rides him again, as he will all season."
Peter Bowen (Take The Strand): "He ran well to be third at Wetherby. He's got some good form and if the ground is good he will have a decent chance. He will run even if the heavens open. Tony Dobbin will ride him again, and he's a good price at around 20-1. He's a tough horse and has a chance."
Michael Hourigan (Beef or Salmon): "clean as a whistle and on target for Haydock".
2006
Paul Nicholls (Kauto Star): "I'm very pleased with him and, all being well, he'll go to Haydock. I've also entered him for the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, but that's just in case the ground at Haydock turns out to be bottomless."
Michael Hourigan (Beef or Salmon):"At this stage he is more than likely to run. He bounced back well after his race at Down Royal last Saturday week, so we've decided he's entitled to travel, all being well in the meantime."