mistakes, in touch, not fluent 3rd and 4th, blundered 7th, outpaced from 11th, soon struggling in rear, tailed off
tracking clear leader when left in lead, bend approaching 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, one pace flat
led, and clear when slipped up bend before 7th
chased leaders, went 2nd 9th, joined leader 15th, veered and led last, hung left under pressure flat, stayed on
A poor turnout for this novices chase but all four can be given some sort of chance so it¿s with not too much confidence that Jongleur Collonges is selected ahead of Stormy Skye and Pembroke Square. Robert Alner¿s gelding showed improved form on his final outing last season when finishing fourth in a decent handicap hurdle at Cheltenham and if he can continue that sort of form over the larger obstacles he will be difficult to beat.Stormy Skye hasn¿t won for two years but does have solid handicap form and his experience should prove invaluable. Pembroke Square hasn¿t seen a racecourse since January 2002 but has contested some decent events, his shrewd trainer will no doubt have him fit to run and he should be in the shake up. However in what could be a very tactical race Jongleur Collonges just gets the vote.
