in touch, left in lead after 5th, mistake 8th, ridden and headed 2 out, soon edged left, every chance last, no extra flat
in touch, headway 8th, ridden and hit 12th, switched right approaching last, led flat, stayed on
4th when brought down 2nd
held up, headway and wandered about 6th, weakened 9th, tailed off when refused last
led, headed after 1st, fell next
chased leader from 2nd, mistake 11th, led 2 out, ridden and headed flat, weakened quickly
prominent and keen, led after 1st, soon clear, blundered 5th, soon pulled up
A competitive field goes to post for this beginners' chase and most of them would have a chance on their best form, but the principles look to be Cowboyboots, Under The Sand and Would You Believe and the tentative vote goes to the last named. The selection looked the winner at this course last time over a longer trip when crumpling on landing at the last. This shorter trip could well be in his favour and if his jumping holds together he looks capable of scoring. Under The Sand represents the main danger on his latest second behind Historic but he weakened quickly two out on that occasion and although this shorter trip should suit, he might once again be found wanting for stamina on this stiff course. Cowboyboots failed to complete the course on only his second start over fences and he lacks the scope of some of his rivals but if he were to put in an error-free round he would be a danger to all under conditions that suit. Blunham Hill was a fair third on his debut over fences behind Bob's The Business and is open to improvement so is worth noting in the market. This is not an easy race to call but Would You Believe has solid credentials and is given the nomination.
