tracked leaders, hit 1st, fell 3rd
chased leader, hard ridden to challenge approaching 3 out, kept on under pressure
made all, pulled hard, hit 6th, mistake 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on well
MENORAH will be a short price to follow up his latest victory at Kempton. Philip Hobbs' charge jumped well in the main and can take this on his way to Cheltenham as he wasn't unduly stretched to hold off runner-up and today's rival Kumbeshwar last time. The latter re-opposes on better terms and a couple of bad blunders didn't help his cause at Kempton, but he may have trouble finishing ahead of Kid Cassidy here let alone the selection. Nicky Henderson's charge was having only his second start over fences when easily beating Silver Gypsy, who runs in the first race on the card, at Ludlow and further progress is expected.
Menorah (IRE) 4-7fav (11-5) Tended to jump left, tracked leader, challenged 7th, led next, not fluent 4 out, 4 lengths clear when blundered 2 out, driven out flat, won at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) gd beating Kumbeshwar (11-4) by 4l, 3 ran.
Kumbeshwar 3-1 (11-4) Led, mistake 3rd, joined 7th, headed when left sole rival next, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, blundered next, kept on same pace from 2 out, always held, 2nd of 3, 4l behind Menorah (11-5) at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) gd.
Kid Cassidy (IRE) 2-5fav (11-0) Wore net muzzle, took keen hold, led 2nd, clear when hit 4th, jumped left and not fluent 6th, not fluent 8th, went left 4 out, very easily, won at Ludlow 2m beg chase (4) gs beating Silver Gypsy (10-7) by 31l, 5 ran.
