not always fluent, last from 2nd, behind 5th, closed before 7th, no impression approaching 4 out
tracked winner, not fluent 2nd, challenged before 4 out, ridden after 3 out, hit next, no impression last
chased leaders, outpaced before 8th, plugged on to take 3rd flat, no impression
made all, jumped left at times, pressed 4 out until 3 out, clear last, eased towards finish
raced freely, held up, not fluent 2nd, closed from 4th, lost ground on leaders before 4 out, rallied briefly before 3 out, soon no impression, lost 3rd flat
There wouldn't have been much between Guards Chapel and Seventh Sky over hurdles but the latter has the benefit of experience over fences, having finished second at Uttoxeter before filling the minor berth at Bangor. But that latter run gives him a bit to find with the mare FAIRYINTHEWIND, who finished a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Charlie Mann's charge and will have learned from the experience. She can go on better here as Very Noble is also having his first run over the larger obstacles today and Lemon Drop Red disappointed last year.
Guards Chapel 12-1 (11-7) Held up, headway on outside 3rd, lost place next, ridden and effort 6th, weakened before 2 out, last of 9, 41l behind Castlemorris King (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in May.
Lemon Drop Red (USA) 5-4fav (11-0) With leader, led 4th, headed narrowly 8th, not fluent 10th, led again briefly after 4 out, lost place next, soon weakened, lost moderate 3rd 2 out, tailed off, last of 4, well behind Violets Boy (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd in Aug.
Master Mariner (IRE) 25-1 (10-5) In touch in 4th, pushed along after 5 out, weakened 4 out, last of 4, 45l behind Allthekingshorses (10-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f nov chs (4) gs in May.
Seventh Sky (GER) 6-1 (10-12) Led and set decent pace, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no chance with easy winner, no extra in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Grumeti (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May.
Very Noble (FR) 9-4 (11-9) Held up in touch, chased leaders 4 out, led after 3 out, headed next, no extra, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Daveron (10-6) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Apr.
Fairyinthewind (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Raced wide tracking leading trio, went 3rd after 3 out, well held when stumbled last, kept on into 2nd run-in, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 5, 9l behind Grumeti (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May.
