tracked leader, hit 8th, ridden after 10th, left 2nd and hampered 2 out, weakened last
tracked leaders, went 2nd 8th, mistake next, led 3 out, still clear, easily
led, not fluent 7th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, held when fell
held up behind leading trio, ridden after 10th, left 3rd 2 out, went 2nd last, no chance with winner
Gentle John is progressing rapidly but he still has something to learn about jumping fences so we'll award our vote to Takeroc. The selection, a winner of both chase starts in France, has had a plethora of big race entries up until this point. He's clearly needed some time but, equally, must be held in high regard; ultimately the market will guide but he could be another exciting recruit. Etoile Rousse has made a satisfactory start to his chasing career but needs to take another step forwards to win in this company whilst Wogan, although talented, has had his problems. This race can go the way of Takeroc.
Gentle John (FR) 11-8fav (10-10) Pulled hard, smistake 7th, led on bit after 9th, not fluent 2 out, clear approaching last, eased flat, won at Kempton 2m nov hcp chs (2) gd beating Orpen Wide (11-6) by 13l, 5 ran.
Takeroc (FR) (10-10) Led 2 out, soon clear, easily, won at Pau 2m 3f chs in Jan beating Double Fashion (10-8) by 5l, 12 ran.
Etoile Russe (IRE) 13-8jt-fav (11-6) Set searching gallop, soon clear, hit 11th, 10 lengths clear when blundered 2 out, soon headed and weakened, 2nd of 4, 13l behind Irish Wolf (11-6) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Wogan 8-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, mistake 9th, ridden and hit 4 out, mistake and weakened next, 4th of 6, 16l behind Killaghy Castle (11-5) at Newbury 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov '06.
