tracked leaders, blundered 12th, smooth headway, every chance 3 out, soon led, driven out
held up, blundered 3rd (water), ridden, no impression from 3 out
tracked leader, blundered 3rd (water), headway to challenge leader 4 out, soon ridden, one pace
led until ridden, headed after 3 out, soon one pace
Champagne Harry gets the nod over Bob Bites Back in what appears to be a two-horse race on paper. Nigel Twiston-Davies is a regular visitor up to the Scottish track, and will be confident of not leaving empty-handed after this novices' chase in which Champagne Harry has his 10th start over fences. That experience will count for a lot, and indeed he sets the standard on his success at Market Rasen the time before last. Granted, he was not entirely foot-perfect then, and has to give 6lb to Bob Bites Back, but still makes most appeal. The latter has been placed a number of times already over fences, and has been handicapping, but just does not know what it takes to get his head in front. In turn though, he is rated superior to the other pair, Know The Ropes and Lerida, and should finish second at least. However, for the winner, it just has to be Champagne Harry.
Champagne Harry 13-8fav (11-0) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 12th, every chance 2 out, weakened quickly approaching last and left 2nd, 2nd of 8, 15l behind Sultan Fontenaille (10-11) at Stratford 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Jul.
Bob Bites Back (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner after last, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Innisfree (10-0) at Cartmel 3m 2f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jul.
