tracked winner on outside, not fluent 10th, lost 2nd 5 out, effort 3 out, kept on until ridden and not quicken between last 2, no impression flat
made all, ridden between last 2, hard pressed last, kept on under pressure flat
held up 3rd and last in touch, went 2nd 5 out, effort and every chance last, soon ridden, kept on flat
Barring accidents, Pure Faith looks to have little chance against two top-notch chasers. MASTER MINDED beat Albertas Run by nine lengths over C&D in the Melling Chase in April. The runner-up is 10lb better off now but Paul Nicholls' former champion chaser has reportedly been working well at home in preparation for his reappearance and is fancied to come out on top again as Jonjo O'Neill's stable star generally comes to hand later in the season and was a well-beaten fourth in this 12 months ago.
Master Minded (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway before 4 out pressed leaders 3 out, led and drew clear before last, pushed out, eased towards finish, won at Aintree 2m 4f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Apr beating Albertas Run (11-10) by 9l, 10 ran.
Albertas Run (IRE) 11-4fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, pushed along before 4 out, every chance before 2 out, ridden and hung left before last, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 9l behind Master Minded (11-10) at Aintree 2m 4f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Apr.
Pure Faith (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Prominent when mistake 1st and sprawled on landing, held up, outpaced by leaders from 4 out, no impression, 4th of 6, 14l behind Lancetto (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs (2) gf.
