led, not fluent 10th, mistake when headed 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied last, kept on well
tracked leader, every chance 3 out, hard ridden approaching last, stayed on well
chased leaders, slow 1st, led 3 out, hard driven last, ran on well
chased leaders, slow 3rd, hit 7th, slow 8th and 9th, under pressure 4 out, never able to challenge
held up in rear but in touch, chased leaders 6th, every chance when fell 3 out
A fascinating novice chase with some interesting sorts from some of the top stables in the land. Oldrik has gone fencing in the past, is the highest rated of these over hurdles but has clearly had some training troubles and is passed over here. Mr Hudson looks an obvious chasing type and is just preferred to fellow chase newcomer Like A Hurricane but ON TREND looked a promising recruit to fences when travelling well and jumping round Towcester with great aplomb. He is taken to make his experience count here in what could prove an informative affair.. He's Our Lad has ability but gives the impression he's saving a bit for himself at the moment. He''ll have to show more resolution against opposition of this calibre.
On Trend (IRE) 15-8 (11-0) Made all, driven clear approaching 2 out, stayed on well, driven out flat, won at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (4) gd in Nov beating Mister Hyde (11-0) by 19l, 5 ran.
Mr Hudson (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 4 out, weakening when fell 2 out, in a race won by Ocean Transit (10-8) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Feb, 14 ran.
Oldrik (GER) 33-1 (10-10) Always behind on inside, 22nd of 23, well behind Brampour (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gs in Nov.
Like A Hurricane (IRE) 4-1fav (11-1) In touch, headway to chase leaders 3 out, went close
Hes Our Lad (IRE) 10-11fav (11-1) Chased winner after 2nd, not fluent 8th, ridden after not being fluent 2 out, unable to quicken, no impression, 2nd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Falcon Island (11-1) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) gf in Nov.
