soon chased leading pair, chased winner soon after 8th, chance 2 out, soon driven, no impression last
with leader, led soon after 4th, made rest, driven out run-in
chased leaders, hit 6th, went 3rd and pecked 4 out, weakened and hit next
mistakes in rear, blundered 8th, headway to chase leading pair 3 out, chance when blundered 2 out, no impression after
led and disputed soon after 4th, chased leader, hit 7th, lost 2nd soon after next, weakened after 4 out, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
Calideo has to give 10lbs to the field and that will take a good performance and so preference is for Boomshakalaka ahead of Fandani. Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old makes his chasing debut today and his trainer thinks that despite some hurdling promise, it is fences that will bring out the best in him. He is a big talented horse and with a good season to come, a big run looks imminent. Muhtenbar has shown plenty of ability in enough starts over fences to suggest that a win is forthcoming, but this race could be pretty hot, so despite the experience he is passed over. Fandani was a useful hurdler and has claims on his chasing debut for his stable who are running into form, whilst Calideo is of definite interest. Guillame Macaire did well with his band of foreign invaders last week and the market will help guide to Calideo's chances today; his win at Warwick looks decent form and he needs respect. Le Burf completes the field and cannot be rued out, however it is Boomshakalaka who can lead them home.
Calideo (FR) 5-4jt-fav (11-2) Tracked leader, led after 2nd, headed 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon led, ridden and kept on well flat, won at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) gf beating Pseudonym (11-1) by a nk, 4 ran.
Boomshakalaka (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, drew clear 2 out, readily, won at N Abbot 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in May beating Sashenka (10-4) by 9l, 11 ran.
Fandani (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, effort approaching last, one pace, 5th of 10, 8l behind Kings Quay (11-9) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gd.
Le Burf (FR) 12-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened before last, 15th of 17, 17l behind Mill House Girl (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Oct.
Muhtenbar 9-2 (11-4) Left in lead 3rd, ridden and headed 3 out, no chance with winner from next, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Mahogany Blaze (11-4) at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct.
