soon pressed leader, led after 6th, mistake and headed next, mistake and lost place 12th, well behind when hampered 4 out
held up, mistake 4th, ridden and struggling after 3 out, no chance when mistake next
held up in touch, effort to chase leader pair 4 out, weakened after next
held up in rear, steady headway from 12th, chased leading pair from 3 out, went 2nd before last, one pace and no impression run-in
led to 3rd, stayed tracking leaders, led 7th to 11th, close 5th when fell 4 out
tracked leaders, mistake 6th, led 11th, mistake 12th, headed 2 out, hung right and lost 2nd before last, no extra run-in
led 3rd, not fluent and headed 6th, chased leader 4 out, led 2 out, kept on gamely run-in
lost touch 8th, tailed off when blundered 4 out
held up, ridden along from 10th, mistake 12th, driven and no impression from 3 out
There will be no quarter measures accepted here in this competitive handicap chase, where Supreme Catch is marginally preferred over the improving Perange and Regal Exit, who do not have much to find to make this a real test for the selection. The same has to be said of Trouble Ahead, who has place claims at the weights and a bold bid should not be ruled out from the Cataldi gelding as his stable are absolutely flying at the moment. However, Supreme Catch has already shown that his connections faith in him has not been misplaced and he remains a horse to keep on the right side of for the time being. The seven-year-old missed the whole of last year due to muscle problems that hindered his ability to jump, but has since undergone extensive dressage schooling that appears to have sorted out his posture at a fence. He showed a glimpse of what he is capable of when out-gunning the admirable EI Ei over course and distance earlier in the season before shaping up well over a trip slightly beyond him at Sandown last time. The return to Ascot appears to be just what is required to keep him ticking over and Supreme Catch may be too tough tom deal with today. Perange is the obvious danger but he has been hit hard by the handicapper and has a little to prove from his current mark. The same sentiments apply to Eskelybroook and Davoski, who are as tough as they come but have a lot of weight to concede this afternoon. Therefore, Supreme Catch looks to be the one to be with today as he could easily eclipse what he has achieved to date if he continues to progress along the right lines.
