in touch, headway to lead 10th, headed before last, soon ridden and no impression
in touch, joined leader 8th, kept on and every chance until ridden and one pace approaching last
mid-division, effort to chase leaders 2 out, kept on one pace approaching last, no impression
led and clear until fell 4th
tracked leader, left in lead 4th, headed 10th, weakened from next
mid-division, steady headway 10th, led going well before last, shaken up, drew clear flat
behind, outpaced 10th, never dangerous
close up on outside, headway to challenge 10th, soon outpaced, weakened from 2 out
chased leaders, outpaced 2 out, 5th and no impression when hit last
If reproducing his hurdles form Irish raider BUACHAILL ON EIRNE should be too good on chase debut for this novice field and we'll chance that he can with Schelm and Little Lu the main dangers. The pick was looking just short of high-class towards the end of last season and wasn't completely disgraced at the Punchestown festival on his penultimate start. The concern will be that this trip might be on the sharp side for his fencing bow but this trainer and jockey combination teamed up to win a valuable race at Perth two days ago so he will be given every chance. Schelm is given every chance on the pick of his hurdles form which included a win on his only visit here. The trip is spot on for this one but the ground looks a little quick. Little Lu performed well on her chasing debut here over a longer trip last time out. She is likely to build on that and has conditions in her favour. Woody Valentine is a bit of a course specialist so needs to be looked at especially as he's hunting a four-timer, the latest win coming over fences. This race is all dependant on whether Buachaill On Eirne can transfer his form now over the bigger obstacles - and we think he can.
Woody Valentine (USA) 5-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, challenged 4 out, led next, drew clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in May beating Deuteronomy (11-6) by 6l, 11 ran.
Buachaill On Eirne (IRE) 12-1 (10-5) Soon chased leaders, 8th approaching 3 out, no impression under pressure from 2 out, 17th of 23, 38l behind Sesenta (10-8) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 sft in May.
Hello Nod 4-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 4 out, 5 lengths down and ridden when fell 2 out, in a race won by Marsam (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov stks (4) gs in May, 5 ran.
Jalamid (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Led, hit 3rd, clear 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last and weakened flat, 3rd of 8, 36l behind Catch Bob (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Karmadice 10-3 (10-9) Prominent, effort 2 out, no extra approaching last, 5th of 7, well behind Follow On (9-11) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in May.
Schelm (GER) 33-1 (11-3) Held up, always towards rear, 15th of 24, 31l behind Joe Jo Star (11-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl G3 (1) gd in May.
Uptown Lad (IRE) 11-1 (10-3) Always behind, blundered 3 out, 8th of 12, well behind Babe Heffron (11-11) at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in May.
What Happened 11-1 (10-10) In touch, led 5th to 8th, struggling when blundered 3 out, 9th of 12, well behind I'm Your Man (11-6) at Hexham 2m hcp ch 0-95 (5) gd in May.
Little Lu (IRE) 7-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, driven 2 out, ridden and stayed on under pressure flat, went 2nd towards finish, no impression, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Sheriff Hutton (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in May.
Madge 200-1 (10-7) Mistake 1st, close up on outside, lost place 9th, soon behind, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Sheriff Hutton (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in May.
