chased leaders, took keen hold early, not fluent 1st and 2nd, took closer order 9th, driven 4 out, weakenening when blundered 2 out
led, mistake when headed 2 out, no extra approaching last
chased leaders, mistake 1st, not fluent 8th, pushed along 4 out, soon no impression
tracked leader, every chance 3 out, led on bit next, soon clear, comfortably
An interesting novice contest as Fintan did the job nicely over fences at Uttoxeter last time and Houston Dynimo also has a chase success to his name after obliging at Worcester in September. Winning form and experience over fences is important but both Desert Cry and STORMY WEATHER were significantly superior to the aforementioned pair over hurdles and may have too much speed for them around here on decent ground if fencing with sufficient fluency. Desert Cry is tempting as the McCain winning machine has cranked into action but Stormy Weather is taken to make a winning chase debut. Trip and ground are ideal and he's had a nice break since finishing in mid-division in the Cesarewitch.
Fintan 7-1 (11-10) Held up in 4th, closed from 3rd, challenged after 7th, led after 2 out, clear flat, stayed on, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Oct beating Lukeys Luck (11-10) by 12l, 5 ran.
Houston Dynimo (IRE) 7-2 (11-10) Tracked leader, led 3rd, headed after 3 out, gradually weakened, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Alfraamsey (10-4) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Desert Cry (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Mid-division, headway approaching 5th, every chance 3 out, weakened before last, 5th of 14, 24l behind Saphir River (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (4) sft.
Stormy Weather (FR) 3-1fav (11-2) Held up in rear, headway before 3 out, led after last, headed last 100 yards, no extra, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Palawi (11-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Feb.
