held up, headway when mistake 8th, mistake 9th, 7th and beaten when mistake 2 out
prominent until weakened after 4 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, one pace from 2 out
held up in touch, took closer order after 9th, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, ran on
held up in touch, weakening when stumbled 9th, mistake 3 out
held up, not fluent 2nd, hampered 9th, headway approaching 2 out, jumped left last, kept on
took keen hold, led to 2nd prominent, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened after last
prominent, led 2nd, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, no extra flat
chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, driven out
Mikasa, Who Dares and Gentle Beau are the three for the shortlist in this handicap chase and the vote is given to Mikasa. The selection has been given a break since his win at Cartmel when he beat Parisienne Gale. He showed a good attitude to score that day and a reproduction of that effort should make him the one to beat today. Who Dares is the obvious danger as he represents the powerful team of Jonjo O'Neill and Tony McCoy. He has shown a fair level of form in Ireland but he will need to improve to get his head in front today. Gentle Beau is making his chasing debut and he has shown some ability over hurdles, so he is one to note in the market. Forest Chief is the other that could go well if he is fit enough to do himself justice on his return from a break, but for the winner we will stick with Mikasa.
Gentle Beau 15-2 (11-12) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, beaten when blundered last, 8th of 11, 16l behind Kentmere (11-0) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd in May.
Snipe 13-2 (11-4) Chased leader, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out, no chance when mistake last, 3rd of 8, 13l behind College City (10-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs.
Forest Chief (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Held up and keen, ridden and headway 4 out, weakened 3 out, left poor 2nd last, 2nd of 4, well behind Saafend Rocket (11-2) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (E) hvy in Mar.
Who Dares (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Mid-division, improved to tracked leaders halfway, 4th 4 out, weakened from next, 9th of 19, 30l behind Karlo (11-1) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-102 gf in Jun.
Ideal du Bois Beury (FR) 16-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 7th of 13, 20l behind Jamica Plane (10-0) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf.
Mikasa (IRE) 13-2 (10-1) Held up, headway 4 out, ridden to lead after last, stayed on under pressure close home, won at Cartmel 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-95 (F) gs in May beating Parisienne Gale (10-13) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Ballyboe Boy (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Prominent, led and mistake 5th, headed 7th, weakened quickly, 8th of 16, 19l behind Queen Excalibur (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gf.
Pure Brief (IRE) 6-1jt-fav (10-0) Prominent, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, weakened flat, 5th of 14, 12l behind Margarets Wish (10-10) at Uttoxeter 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (G) gd.
