led jumping right, mistake 7th and headed, tracked leader until going clear 14th, bad mistake 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on well
in touch until lost place 7th, ridden 8th, behind from 12th
in rear, mistake 9th, steady headway approaching 5 out, mistake next, no impression after
keen, behind, headway 3rd, tracked leader until led after 7th, headed approaching 14th, 2nd when ridden and weakened quickly, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway from 13th, went 2nd 2 out, always held
held up in touch, hard ridden from 13th, weakened 4 out, same pace
in touch, ridden approaching 5 out, weakening when blundered 4 out, pulled up before next
chased leaders, mistake 10th, soon ridden and weakened 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
jumped right throughout, never on terms
held up, keen, headway after 13th, soon ridden and weakened
in touch until 8th, lost touch, pulled up after 13th
This looks quite a useful Hunter Chase with several winning pointers in opposition, including Onmywayhome, Tony's Time, Bardon Boy and recent runaway course winner Cherry Gold, who will be difficult to beat. He is already proven over these tricky fences, is effective under these conditions and his defeat of Kerry Soldier Blue last month is the best form on offer. Bardon Boy, fourth in a selling chase here back in 2000, has been in decent form between the flags and didn't run too badly when third in a similar contest last week at Newton Abbot, while both Tony's Time and Onmywayhome have been in cracking form between the flags this spring, but have plenty to prove at this level. Gatsby could be an interesting runner. He did show a little ability over hurdles last year and with Richard Burton, who is one of the best amateurs around taking the reins, he is one to keep an eye on.
