chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, outpaced and mistake 4 out, stayed on from 2 out
with winner, every chance 4 out, ridden next, weakened 2 out
held up in touch, weakened 2 out
always behind, struggling from 10th, tailed off
behind, tailed off from 10th, pulled up before next
made most, hit 4 out, clear from 2 out
In the novices' chase, Turko is selected ahead of Il Duce and Cloudy Lane. Turko proved his class last season by finishing sixth in the Triumph Hurdle and then winning a Class 2 event at Cheltenham. He is a very interesting contender. Il Duce was also classy over hurdles and has already landed a novice chase in good style, and he is respected although the weight he has to concede is a worry. Cloudy Lane ended last season by winning a handicap hurdle from a mark of 124 and he gets a good mention, while much as L'Antartique's form tailed off after a very good start to last season, he could yet prosper over fences. For today, though, the selection is Turko.
Il Duce (IRE) 2-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, reminders approaching 9th, chased leader 10th, led 4 out, edged right from approaching 2 out, mistake last, ridden out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov chs (4) gs in May beating Inch Pride (10-7) by 11l, 5 ran.
Cloudy Lane 8-1 (11-6) In touch, hit 4th, led 7th, ridden 2 out, drew clear flat, eased towards finish, won at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr beating Oscar Park (11-12) by 6l, 16 ran.
L'Antartique (FR) 9-2 (11-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened after next, beat when hit last, 4th of 5, 16l behind Neptune Collonges (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
Mister Magnum (IRE) 10-3 (10-7) Held up, headway 14th, kept on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 25l behind Tee-Jay (11-0) at Hexham 3m 1f chs 0-90 (5) gd.
Rowan Castle 33-1 (10-9) In touch to 10th, soon weakened, 3rd of 5, 40l behind Knowhere (11-6) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs.
Turko (FR) 9-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, switched right 2 out, every chance last, just held, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Oscatello (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.