led until 8th, stayed with winner until not fluent 13th, weakened approaching 4 out
held up in 4th, not fluent 4th, reminder after 11th, not fluent next, weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, chased winner 13th, jumped left from 4 out, ridden after next, stayed on, no impression, eased final 100 yards
held up in last, not fluent 5th, went 3rd after 13th, 4 lenghts down when mistake 2 out, soon weakened
jumped well, tracked leader, led 8th, in command last, easily
held up in 5th until blundered badly and unseated rider 6th
There was plenty of confidence behind VERY STYLISH over hurdles at Worcester eight days ago and he didn't disappoint. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding is closely related to useful chaser The Railway Man so may well be suited by the switch to fences and is fancied to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles today off what appears a lenient mark. The jury is out on Baily Storm after he was beaten a distance in a match over 3m here on his reappearance, while Lord Ryeford has been well beaten in hunter chases this year. Intac still looks too high in the weights, but Hoof It Harry was more like his old self at Fontwell last time and Stormyisland Ahead has plenty of scope and could figure if fully wound-up following a lay-off.
Intac (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Held up, headway to chase leaders 9th, mistake and weakened 3 out, 7th of 10, 27l behind Rebel Du Maquis (11-9) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in May.
Baily Storm (IRE) 8-11fav (11-12) Chased winner, outpaced approaching 4 out, weakened after next, last of 2, 50l behind Circus Of Dreams (11-3) at Ffos Las 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Apr.
Lord Ryeford (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Off the pace towards rear, never on terms, 5th of 12, 23l behind Takeroc (11-7) at Stratford 2m 1f hts chs (5) gd in May.
Stormyisland Ahead 9-1 (10-6) Held up in touch, tracked leaders 8th, ridden next, weakened 2 out, 5th of 8, 28l behind Kilcrea Kim (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Very Stylish (IRE) 7-4fav (11-11) Made all, drew clear with ears pricked final 150 yards, ridden out, won at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd beating Hi Tide (11-12) by 6l, 10 ran.
Hoof It Harry (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Held up in last pair, good headway to chase winner 10th, driven and no impression 3 out, lost 2nd before last, rider dropped reins and dropped to 4th after last, 4th of 7, 7l behind Knight Legend (11-6) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
