disputed lead until approaching 2out, 8 lengths down & held when fell last
held up, went third 4th, ridden after 3out, no impression when left 2nd last
tracked leading pair, blundered 4 out, soon dropped rear & lost touch, left remote 3rd last
made most, drew clear approaching 2out, left clear last
Zhukov has won four times over fences this year, but his form has taken a nose-dive of late and he's overlooked. Callisto Moon never figured on his sole start in a chase nearly three years ago, but Wester Ross went close over timber on last week's comeback and he should be thereabouts if taking to the larger obstacles. BHALTAIR is also having his first start over fences but arrives in fine form having won two of his last three starts over hurdles. The presence of Tony McCoy will probably see him start odds-on for this and he can oblige.
Wester Ross (IRE) 10-3 (11-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st or 4th, chased winner after next, hit 3 out, unable to make an impression flat, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Sansili (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
Bhaltair (IRE) 4-7fav (11-5) Took keen hold, held up last, went 3rd before 6th, tracked clear leader next, closed before 2 out, led soon after 2 out and clear, eased towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf beating Pompan (10-12) by 10l, 4 ran.
Zhukov (IRE) 28-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, jumped left 6th, not fluent 7th or 12th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 4th of 5, well behind Gan On (10-10) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f nov chs (3) gs.
Callisto Moon 20-1 (10-1) Mid-division, lost place 4 out, soon beaten, 7th of 9, 47l behind Praxiteles (10-13) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
