chased leaders in 4th until outpaced after 8th, no chance after
disputed lead, definite advantage from 3 out, ridden and pressed last, driven and kept on gamely to assert and drew away final 100 yards
took keen hold, disputed lead to 3 out, still every chance on outside 2 out, soon ridden and weakened before last
soon tailed off and always in rear
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, pecked 9th, not fluent next, challenged 2 out, upsides and every chance last, no extra and held final 100 yards
RORY BOY looks a good recruit to fences and he is fancied to see off Recif De Thaix and the filly Miss Sarenne. Traditionally a strong novices chase and hard to rule any out. The selection jumped like an old pro when winning on his chasing bow at Wetherby and although he didn't beat much, the manner of victory was very taking. He has the scope and size to improve as the season goes on and he might offer a bit of value against some well-touted rivals. One of those is Recif De Thaix who goes straight over fences without jumping a hurdle. Recruited from France, this Sandown bumper winner has been the subject of grand reports but his price is likely to reflect that and so despite his trainer's record in the race he is opposed. Miss Sarenne has also been the subject of good reports and she gets plenty of weight as a four-year-old filly. Another import from France, she was outclassed in the Fred Winter in March but is quickly sent over fences. Rock Me hasn't impressed in one start over fences and this looks a tough ask, whilst Agglestone Rock is a much bigger player. He has won two in a row over fences and hasn't been asked a question so far, but this is obviously his toughest task to date. A fascinating race, and we will plump for Rory Boy.
Agglestone Rock 1-2fav (10-11) Tracked leading pair before 2nd, went 2nd travelling strongly, led after 3 out, easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jul beating Red Jester (10-1) by 5l, 4 ran.
Rory Boy (USA) 4-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, led 9th, made rest, drew clear after 2 out, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Oct beating Lease Lend (11-7) by 11l, 6 ran.
Recif De Thaix (FR) 4-1 (10-7) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, all out, won at Sandown 2m NH flat (5) gs in Feb beating John's Gift (10-9) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Rock Me (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Orchard King (11-7) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Oct.
Miss Sarenne (FR) 8-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, weakened after 3 out and eased, 18th of 22, 47l behind Silk Affair (10-4) at Cheltenham 2m Grade 3 nov hcp hdl (4yo) (1) gs in Mar.
