led to 4th, outpaced from 9th, never dangerous after
jumped well, tracked leaders, led 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on gamely
held up, hit 1st, outpaced from 6th, lost place from 8th
tracked leaders, chased winner from 7th, challenged 4 out, ridden approaching next, soon every chance, one pace from 2 out
in touch and keen, lost place from 8th, never dangerous after, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
Monet's Garden and Le Volfoni make up the short list of two and we side with Monet's Garden. Nicky Richards' charge is a fluent jumper and while we have not seen the best of him this term, he looks an outstanding long term prospect and should be capable of picking up this sizeable amount of prize money. Le Volfoni hails from a yard in form and ran up to his form at Aintree in the Maghull Novices Chase. He has earnt his BHB rating of 148 but it is difficult to see him winning unless the favourite makes mistakes. Kasthari has it to do on official figures. Eighth in the Jewson Chase at Cheltenham - that was a fair effort given his stable have been out of form but others have to be preferred. Duke Orsino and Neuro should ensure a nice day out for connections. Hard to oppose Monet's Garden and we shall seek not to.
Kasthari (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Pressed leader, not fluent 13th, ridden when slightly hampered 4 out, weakened next, 8th of 18, 20l behind Reveillez (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs (1) gd in Mar.
Monet's Garden (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Prominent, led and hit 3rd, jumped right 5th, ridden and headed after 2 out, pecked last, not quicken towards finish, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Voy Por Ustedes (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Duke Orsino (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, chased winner after 6th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 8, 25l behind Aces Four (11-8) at Ayr 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Le Volfoni (FR) 40-1 (11-1) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, outpaced 9th, ridden and blundered 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Foreman (11-4) at Aintree 2m nov chs Grd 1 (1) gs.
Neuro (FR) 4-1 (10-5) Led, blundered 4 out, soon headed, outpaced when mistake 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 9, 48l behind Red Man (10-6) at Sedgefield 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Mar.
