led, headed 5 out, ridden and blundered 2 out, one pace
chased leaders, led 5 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well
held up in rear and pulled hard, weakened from 11th, tailed off
chased leader, outpaced approaching 14th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, headway to chase leaders approaching 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
Jazz d'Estruval has an obvious chance in this novices' chase and a clear round should bring the Nicky Richards-trained gelding success with Kidithou and A Few Bob Back expected to chase him home. The selection was easily the best of these over hurdles and looks to be even better over fences judged by his defeat of subsequent Royal & SunAlliance winner Trabolgan at Haydock. While admittedly flattered by that victory, Jazz d'Estruval had earlier shown good form at Ayr and the only blemish was a fall at Market Rasen last time. Kidithou showed improved form to win at Ayr last time and rates a bigger threat than Heather Graham's Harry Hooly, who has yet to convince with his jumping. Karen McLintock's A Few Bob Back has so far disappointed over fences but has the ability to be a threat if the favourite makes mistakes; however, a clear round for Jazz d'Estruval will surely see him collect.
Kidithou (FR) 11-4fav Made most, blundered 13th, hit 3 out, ridden clear after 2 out, won at Ayr 3m 1f beg chs (E) gs beating What If by 16l, 9 ran.
A Few Bob Back (IRE) 7-1 Held up in touch, chased leaders 6th, ridden 3 out, stayed on under pressure approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Skenfrith at Newcastle 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) hvy.
Glendevon Grey 200-1 Held up, ridden and weakened from 8th, 10th of 15, well behind Another Rum at Ayr 3m nh nov hdl (E) gs in Feb '04.
Harry Hooly 5-4fav Tracked leader until unseated rider at the 10th in race won by Gary's Pimpernel at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (D) hvy, 3 ran.
Snowy (IRE) 28-1 In touch, pushed along 8th, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, 9th of 12, 44l behind Rambling Minster at Newcastle 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Dec.
Jazz d'Estruval (FR) 1-8fav Tracked leader, led 3rd, hit 5th, blundered and unseated rider 7th, 2 fences behind when remounted for leisurely 2nd, last of 2, well behind Ravenscar at Market Rasen 3m 1f nov chs (C) sft.