led, hit 3 out, soon headed, weakened 2 out
held up last, took closer order 10th, pushed along to lead 2 out, ridden and headed flat, no extra close home
chased leader to 9th, ridden approaching last, every chance flat, stayed on
held up in 3rd, disputed 2nd from 6th, chased leader 9th, led after 3 out to 2 out, soon ridden, rallied to lead flat, stayed on
Galway Jack notched-up a four-timer in hunter chases before beaten at Southwell in May last year. He’s gone well fresh before but UNIONISTE may just have the edge. The latter is no stranger to winning these events either and with a recent outing at Taunton under his belt, Paul Nicholls’ charge may prove the one to side with. Optimised and Garde Ville have both won point-to-points this month but have plenty to find on these terms and My Murphy is even harder to recommend.
Galway Jack (IRE) 1-3fav (12-8) Led, ridden 2 out, pressed next, headed near finish, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Pass The Hat (12-0) at Southwell 2m 4f (6) gd in May.
Garde Ville (FR) 4-7fav (11-7) Stdy hdwy 13; led 2 out; comf, won at Bangor-PTP 3m in Mar beating Alfstar (11-11) by 4l, 9 ran.
Unioniste (FR) 6-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, led 4th, headed 11th, lost place 12th, weakened before 5 out, 4th of 8, 30 1/4l behind Samuel Jackson (11-4) at Taunton 3m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Optimised (IRE) 8-11fav (12-5) Hdwy 12; led 14; drew clr 3 out; stayed on wl, won at Bangor-PTP 3m in Mar beating Ballyrath (12-6) by 25l, 6 ran.
My Murphy (IRE) 20-1 (12-7) In tch til wknd 12, 6th of 11, 20 1/4l behind Navanman (12-7) at Charlton Horethorne 3m gs in Mar.
