in touch, tracked winner 4th to 9th, ridden 11th, weakened approaching 3 out
jumped right, led 2nd, clear when mistake 3 out, comfortably
led to approaching 2nd, slight mistake and in rear from 4th, slow jump 7th, soon tailed off
held up and keen, tracked winner from 9th, ridden 4 out, weakened next, no impression on winner
A small but competitive field goes to post for this novices chase but the principals look to be Ballycassidy, Brother Joe and Santenay and the confident vote goes to Ballycassidy. The gelding from the Peter Bowen yard has been in good form all season and won a match in good style last time out. This looks tougher but he loves the ground and is taken to continue on the upward curve. Brother Joe was the best of these over hurdles and he has done well to date against moderate opposition over fences. He will find this tougher and we take Ballycassidy to out battle him close home. Santenay was a fair second behind Duke Of Buckingham last time out. He is sure to be suited by this longer trip but he will need to improve again to beat the selection. Ballycassidy.
