not fluent, led, headed and mistake 4th, led again after 7th, made most to 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after next
in touch, mistake 11th, weakened after next
held up, mistake 2nd, headway 9th, mistake 12th, soon ridden, weakened after next
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2f out, weakened last
chased leader, led 4th, mistake 7th, soon headed, stayed with leader, led again 3 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, mistake last, no extra flat
held up, effort 10th, weakened 12th
not jumped well, always behind
held up, headway approaching 13th, led after 2 out, ridden when jumped right last, ran on
mid-division, lost place 8th, soon behind
Novi Sad is taken to get the better of Off The Seal, Bobsbest, Smart Guy and Arctic Lagoon. Novi Sad has to give weight away all round here but looked the part when successful at Fontwell last time, jumping really well to beat Polar Scout convincingly. That was over a bit further than today's trip, and as that was only his third start over fences, there must be more to come from the seven-year-old, a winner over hurdles at Ascot two years ago. Off The Seal was only headed close home by Osiris at Taunton last time on what was his chase debut, and as Bobsbest appeared to be going all right when falling at the 10th, both can be considered as dangers. Smart Guy is the oldest in the line-up here at the age of 13, but proved that his advancing years were no bar to success when scoring scoring comfortably at Fontwell just over three weeks ago. He led three out and kept on well to beat Gray's Eulogy by seven lengths but Myson was going very well when falling and in addition all Smart Guy's wins have come at the Sussex track. Arctic Lagoon is still a maiden and was very leg-weary when second at Hexham last time. Conditions will not be as testing here, but even so he will do well to cause a surprise. Novi Sad has enough potential to see off his rivals here, the best of whom may be Off The Seal.
