held up in rear, fell 12th
held up in touch, went 2nd after 5 out, blundered next, soon ridden, blundered 3 out, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, reminders 9th, mistake next, weakened 4 out
tracked leader, led 7th, headed after 8th, led again 11th, not fluent when clear 2 out, eased flat
Albertas Run is the preferred option to Tidal Bay and Karelian. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding made light work of a modest field at Towcester on chasing debut. On paper that assignment over two miles would have been plenty sharp enough but there was a lot to like about his technique and he should be up to scratch against this opposition. Tidal Bay is quite a sizeable horse but that didn't stop him winning the Grade 2 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at this track in April. There is a suspicion he might be better with a bit more cut in the ground. Karelian was given a relatively low brow reappearance at Sedgefield. It is hoped that the return to Kevin Ryan has reawakened his enthusiasm for the game. Champagne Harry looks fully exposed and is taken on with this in mind. Our Jasper ran out a fortuitous winner of a recent race at Bangor and while he didn't stop, he cannot be relying upon others coming to grief here. Alberta's Run looks to have a future over the bigger obstacles and has to be the call in this contest.
Champagne Harry 8-1 (10-2) Held up, steady headway 13th, chasing winner when hit 3 out, one pace, 5th of 13, 7l behind Bowleaze (10-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd.
Albertas Run (IRE) 2-5fav (11-3) With leader, led 4th, not fluent 4 out, clear after 3 out, easily, won at Towcester 2m beg chs (4) gd beating Shanahan (11-3) by 9l, 10 ran.
Karelian 16-1 (11-4) Always prominent, led between last 2, ridden clear flat, eased towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf beating Sir Bathwick (10-13) by 9l, 13 ran.
Our Jasper 4-1 (11-2) Always prominent, ridden 2 out, looked held when left 2nd last, stayed on flat to lead towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd beating Aces Or Better (11-3) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Tidal Bay (IRE) 9-4 (11-5) Always prominent, not fluent 7th, led approaching 3 out, ridden before 2 out, strongly pressed when left in control last, stayed on well, won at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Apr beating Wins Now (11-3) by 8l, 10 ran.
