made all, stayed on gamely, all out
chased winner, hit 2nd, challenged approaching 3 out, ridden and every chance last, no extra
chased leaders until 7th, in touch, ridden and weakened after 4 out
held up, took closer order 11th, close 3rd and every chance when fell 2 out
held up, headway 7th, ridden after 4 out, soon beaten, left 3rd 2 out
chased leaders until 6th, behind from 12th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
held up in touch, hit 2nd, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
This is a fascinating novice chase and it could fall to Distant Thunder, with Lotus Des Pictons and Lalagune put forward as the main rivals. Robert Alner's gelding was an excellent second behind L'Ami in a grade two event at Lingfield last month, before running with credit behind Ollie Magern in the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day. With nothing of that class in today's contest he should be capable of landing his first victory over the larger obstacles. Martin Pipe's Lotus Des Pictons has contested some top hurdle events and run well over fences in France. He should go close on his first venture over the British fences. Lalagune looks best of the remainder having taken on decent opposition in his races this season. The rest make little appeal and so it shouldn't be too difficult for Distant Thunder to make the most of his class and he gets a confident vote
