held up, effort and 3 lengths down in 4th when fell 4 out
held up in touch, headway to lead 4 out, ridden and left clear last
tracked leaders, weakened after 5 out
tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, led 4th until fell 5th
led, headed 2nd, tracked leader, held in 3rd when left 2nd last
with leader, led 2nd, headed 4th, left in lead 5th, headed 4 out, blundered 2 out, 2 lengths in 2nd when fell last
A competitive field goes to post for this novices' chase and the principles look to be Mister McGoldrick, Full Irish and Royaleety and the the first mentioned gets the nomination. The 7-year-old from the Sue Smith yard won well last time out at Newcastle when defeating Little Docker. The step up in trip will suit and with his young claimer taking off a handy 7lbs he will be hard to beat. Full Irish rates the main danger as he was a fair second behind the well-regarded Our Armagedon last time over course and distance and looks a danger to all. Royaleety was a fair sort in his native France but he may need this his first run in 104 days. Of the rest, Brave Thought would have chance on his best form but he has never won over a trip this far before, while Atlantic Crossing continues to suffer with jumping problems so is opposed. This is a race where few can be ruled out, we will side with Mister McGoldrick.
