tracked leaders, left in lead 8th (water) to next, chased leading pair, outpaced 15th, staying on one pace and 6 lengths 3rd when left in lead last
tracked leader, still there when blundered and unseated rider 13th
jumped right 1st, held up in 4th, left 2nd at 13th, challenged from 3 out, 1 length 2nd and looked held when badly hampered last, not recover
led, mistake and dropped hind legs at 8th (water), recovered and good jump to regain lead next, strongly pressed from 3 out, driven and 1 length ahead when fell last
A competitive novice chase which can go the way of Joe Lively with Nevada Royale and Ice Tea both worth noting. The selection is the winner of two hurdle races and two chases and was good enough to win one of those with a penalty. He was not discredited when second to Ornais at Wincanton last time out ans is worth giving another chance to. Nevada Royale is the winner of three point to points and was successful in his native France over hurdles also. He has to be a live danger to the selection but the fact that he was running around in points last season might mean that in reflection he is no world beater. Ice Tea on the other hand is another that has proven form being the winner of three novice chases already this season suggests that he is useful so any market moves should be noted. But for the winner we return to Joe Lively.
Joe Lively (IRE) 13-8fav (11-8) Chased leader, joined leader 9th, ridden to lead after 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, held when hit last, 2nd of 5, 12l behind Ornais (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.
Minella Tipperary (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway after 13th, ridden to lead 3 out, driven out, won at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Nov beating Marcus (10-12) by 5l, 9 ran.
Here's Johnny (IRE) 11-4fav (10-12) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, went 2nd 13th, jumped right and rider lost iron briefly 3 out, led final 100 yards, won at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd in Nov beating Nikola (11-3) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Nevada Royale (FR) 4-7fav (12-0) Made all; drew clr 3 out; lft virt solo last, won at Charlton Horetho 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Barney Blue (12-0) by 2l, 8 ran.
Ice Tea (IRE) 10-11fav (11-8) Made all, drew clear approaching last, won at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (3) gf in Nov beating Ballyvoge (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
