fell 2nd
chased winner, jumped left throughout, mistake 2nd, no chance from before 4 out
made all, unchallenged
Just three runners and it should be straight-forward for Walsingham, with Mickey Pearce the one to chase him home. Evan Williams took this race last year with Matt The Thrasher, and whilst Walsingham may not thrash these, he should be capable of winning. Although yet to win in five starts over fences, he has jumped well from the front and should be able to put these to the sword. Mickey Pearce has been running in selling hurdles of late and now tries his hand at fences. He at least knows how to win having recorded five wins in 32 starts, and so cannot be ruled out. Are You There didn't impress on his chasing debut last time out, however he was hampered at one stage and that may have dented both his enthusiasm and confidence; he could easily improve today. All three of these could win, but Walsingham looks the most likely.
Mickey Pearce (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) In rear, pushed along 5th, ridden next, some headway after 7th, never dangerous, 4th of 14, 22l behind Chunky Lad (10-5) at Stratford 2m 3f sll hdl (4) gf.
Are You There 20-1 (11-0) Towards rear, badly hampered and stumbled 9th, weakened after next, tailed off when blundered 2 out, 6th of 8, well behind Methodical (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gd.
Walsingham (IRE) 9-1 (10-8) Led, ridden approaching 4 out, headed after 2 out, no extra, 4th of 10, 16l behind Deep Quest (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf.
