with leader, led from 12th, ran on
tracked leading pair, ridden when hit 3 out, weakening when pecked 2 out
led 2nd to 12th, ridden to chase winner from 3 out, rallied approaching 2 out, held approaching last
jumped slowly 4th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
A small but competitive field but we will give the vote to Knife Edge with both Sonevafusi and Honourable Spider both worthy of mention. The selection won four times last season and ended up winning the Champion Hunter Chase at Stratford in May. He comes from a professional yard so therefore will be primed for the job. So with fitness not posing a problem and form figures that look better than the rest he is difficult to oppose. Sonevafusi has proven fitness on his side having won at Wincanton on his seasonal reappearence. He beat Back Nine that day by a length and a quarter and even though he will need to improve on that to beat the selection he remains a danger having previously been a top hurdler on his day. Honourable Spider was unbeaten in point to points last year and ended up winning a hunter chase over course and distance back in May so any market moves should be noted. But for the winner we return to Knife Edge.
Honourable Spider 3-1 (12-5) Handy, chased winner, ran on flat, just failed, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Mouseski (12-5) at Larkhill 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Knife Edge (USA) 7-1 (12-0) Mid-division, headway 13th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching 2 out, led and mistake last, won at Stratford 3m 4f hts chs (2) sft in May beating Vinnie Boy (12-0) by 3l, 13 ran.
Sonevafushi (FR) 7-4fav (12-7) Led to 10th, chased leaders, ridden to lead on inside approaching 3 out, hard ridden from last, held on, won at Wincanton 3m 1f hts chs (6) gs beating Back Nine (12-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Laurier De Cotte (FR) 7-1 (12-0) Prominent, went 2nd 4th, led 2 out; stayed on flat, won at Northaw 3m ptp sft in May beating Johnny Venture (12-0) by 5l, 10 ran.
