led, hit 9th, headed 12th, pressed leader, led 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on well when pressed flat, all out
prominent, hit 1st, tracked leaders from 4th, joined leaders 12th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, eased flat
mistake 1st, disputed from next, led 12th until 3 out, pressed winner, ridden after 3 out, rallied well under pressure, every chance flat, no extra close home
A small but select field for this novices' chase with just the three runners lining up and the vote is given to Calling Brave, who gets the verdict over Patricksnineteenth and Mister Banjo. The last mentioned was a useful hurdler three years ago and overcame a long absence from the track to make a winning chase debut at Bangor last month, beating Patricksnineteenth by four lengths. The runner up is 4lbs better off today so there should not be a great deal to choose between the pair here but Calling Brave looks different class and gets the vote. Nicky Henderson's gelding showed improved form when making a winning return over hurdles at Aintree and has since opened his account at the first time of asking over the larger obstacles, running out the easy winner of a novice chase at Folkestone. There should be plenty more to come from the eight-year-old, who looks the one to be on.
