with leaders, lost place after 2nd, chased leaders next, slow 7th, soon weakened, pulled up after next
held up in rear, headway before 3 out, weakened after next
led, headed approaching 9th, remained prominent, effort 3 out, weakened after next
in touch, headway to chase leaders 7th, every chance 2 out, led before last, stayed on well (2 fences omitted)
held up, took closer order 8th, driven to challenge 2 out, kept on same pace, no extra closing stages
with leader, led before 9th, challenged after 3 out, headed approaching last, kept on well under pressure
NonRunner
HOUBLON DES OBEAUX (NAP) won one of these veterans' chases at Sandown in January and ran well again when third at Newbury last time. This looks less competitive and Venetia Williams’ charge gets the vote. Jepeck was raised 17lb for winning at Ffos Las earlier and returned a disappointing favourite last time while Rock On Fruity found life tough in this grade at Newcastle having counted both Straidnahanna and Takingrisks among his victims when completing a double at the same track before that. The Paparrazi Kid last won for Gordon Elliott in 2017 and has recently switched yards while Silver Tassie has plenty to prove at this level judged on his latest effort.
Houblon Des Obeaux (FR) 12-1 (11-4) Chased leader 2nd until 5th, dropped to mid-division, headway chasing leaders 12th, outpaced 15th, rallied from 2 out, went modest 3rd at the last, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Carole's Destrier (10-13) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Rock On Fruity (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) In rear, headway 5 out, no impression, 9th of 16, 21 1/2l behind Crosspark (10-13) at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp (2) gs in Feb.
Straidnahanna (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) In touch, pressed leader after 3rd, led narrowly 12th, driven and headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression in 3rd when fell last, at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Feb.
Takingrisks (IRE) 4-1jfav (11-8) Held up towards rear, jumped slowly, under pressure 5 out, soon beaten, 6th of 8, 23 1/2l behind Rock On Fruity (11-12) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Silver Tassie (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Held up, always behind, weakened from 3 out (usual 4 out), tailed off, 7th of 8, dist behind Cultram Abbey (10-5) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Jepeck (IRE) 4-1fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, jumped right 4 out, no impression from next, 6th of 15, 20 1/2l behind Dawson City (11-10) at Exeter 3m 7f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
The Paparrazi Kid (IRE) 25-1 (10-8) Mid-division early, some headway but no impression from before 3 out, weakened and eased straight, 13th of 18, dist behind Patricks Park (10-1) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp Yielding in Apr.
