jumped slowly and soon well behind, tailed off from 8th, pulled up before 10th
always behind, lost touch 9th, tailed off when mistake 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
always prominent, weakened after 3 out, left remote 2nd last
held up, headway 11th, pecked 14th, weakened approaching 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 14th
led to 10th, led again 12th, ridden after 2 out, headed and stumbled last, soon pulled up, broke leg (dead)
held up, headway 7th, led 10th to 12th, weakened after 14th, blundered 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
in rear when jumped very slowly 1st, 2nd and 3rd, soon pulled up
with leader until weakened quickly approaching 10th, pulled up before 11th
held up in touch, went 2nd 3 out, led and left well clear last
Unleash,Rostropovich and High Peak look the three to concentrate on in this beginners chase and the confident vote is given to Unleash. The selection was the best of these over hurdles is sure to have been well schooled for this his chasing debut and under conditions that suit he need only put in a clear round to score. Rostropovich rates the main danger as at least he has experience over the larger obstacles and was a fair fourth behind Cill Fhair last time out. However his overall form leaves him with plenty to find and for that reason he is opposed. High Peak is another worthy of respect on his latest third behind Muttley Maguire but that form has since been let down and he will need to improve to score. Of the remainder Hey Boy is from a yard in form and should be noted in the market but for the winner we return to Unleash who has plenty in hand on hurdles form.
Hey Boy (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, every chance 2 out, one pace from last, 3rd of 11, 5l behind Nawow (10-13) at Southwell 2m 5f beg chs (E) gd in May.
High Peak 25-1 (10-13) In rear, stayed on to chase clear leaders 4 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 9, 16l behind Muttley Maguire (11-2) at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (E) gf in May.
Pharly Star 5-1 (11-2) Led, headed 6th, mistake 13th, weakened next, 4th of 9, 29l behind Muttley Maguire (11-2) at Worcester 2m 7f beg chs (E) gf in May.
Rich Song (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Made most, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 13, 32l behind Pole Star (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gs in Dec.
Rostropovich (IRE) 4-9fav (11-9) Mid division, not fluent and jumped to right throughout, ridden and no impression from 3 out, 4th of 9, 8l behind Cill Fhair (11-7) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs hvy in May '04.
Unleash (USA) 15-8fav (11-7) Mid-division, steady headway from 6th, went 2nd 3 out, led before last, headed flat, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Lough Derg (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl (B) gd in Apr.
On The Outside (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Led to 4th, remained prominent, hung left after 12th, weakened after next, 4th of 8, 39l behind Tigers Lair (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov chs (D) gd in May.
Reliance Leader 25-1 (9-11) Held up, blundered 12th, headway to chase leading pair after 3 out, pressed for 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Reel Dancer (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gf in Apr.
