tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden after 2 out, led after last, driven out
close up, left in lead 2nd, mistake 8th, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, headed after last, weakened approaching elbow
led until blundered badly and unseated 2nd
tracked leaders, jumped slow 3rd, took closer order 7th, ridden after 2 out, one pace from last
held up in touch, blundered badly and unseated rider 2nd
held up in touch, went 2nd at 19th, every chance last, kept on
held up, fell 17th
held up in rear, pushed along and in touch approaching 2 out, kept on one pace to go 3rd flat
We're back over the national fences for the 2009 version of the Becher Chase where Irish raider VIC VENTURI has ground conditions to suit and this in-form runner should just have the beating of Irish Raptor, who was sixth in this race last year, and Hello Bud. An easy winner of his last start the selection might be even better judged on his runner's up spot in a valuable contest at Punchestown on his re-appearance two starts ago. He looks fairly enough treated on his venture over the Irish Sea and he should be even fitter now. Irish Raptor has at least seen these fences before and does seem to like it here. The ground should be no problem for him but he might be a little high in the weights after his win three starts back. Hello Bud won the Scottish National on his last start of last season and has improved in two starts back this term. He might just be coming to hand and is very much a danger. Palypso De Creek is an interesting French import, who won on his debut for current connections last time and any market confidence should be noted but after such good run of form in Ireland we side with Vic Venturi for last year's winning trainer.
Vic Venturi (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) Led, ridden before straight, joined 2 out, soon led again, clear last, stayed on well run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 4f chs sft in Oct beating Rathmore Castle (11-9) by 6l, 7 ran.
Hello Bud (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Led, kept on well from 2 out, driven and strongly pressed last, headed run-in, chased winner after but no impression when lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 12, 2 1/4l behind Galant Nuit (10-0) at Cheltenham 3m 3f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) sft.
Irish Raptor (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, lost place 9th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, weakened from next, 4th of 11, 16l behind Spring Breeze (10-5) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Palypso De Creek (FR) 15-2 (11-4) Led to 2nd, tracked leaders and keen, led after 3 out, kept on well, driven out, won at Towcester 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct beating Lord Generous (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Idle Talk (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) Prominent, headway and every chance 4 out and 3 out, weakened 2 out, 12th of 40, 47l behind Mon Mome (11-0) at Aintree 4m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Apr.
Keenan's Future (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Held up, headway 6 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Fire And Rain (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m 4f lstd hcp chs (1) gd in Jun.
Cleni Boy (FR) 20-1 (10-5) Towards rear, fell 10th, in a race won by Our Monty (10-2) at Cork 3m 4f hcp chs 0-145 hvy, 12 ran.
Royal Rosa (FR) 6-1 (11-11) Held up in touch, effort under pressure 4 out, went 3rd next, soon ridden, kept on from 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 7l behind Lorum Leader (11-5) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy.
