prominent, led 5 out, driven out
in touch, lost place 9th, tailed off and pulled up 14th
led, headed 5 out, one pace from next
held up, headway 9th, mistake 13th, one pace from 3 out
chased leaders, lost place 8th, pulled up 12th
Storming Gale was still in contention when falling at Market Rasen on his chasing debut and he would likely have made the frame at least if staying on his feet. Jumping's the name of the game, however, and PRESQUE PERDRE made a decent fist of that when finishing runner-up at Newcastle on only his second start over fences. There looks plenty more to come and George Moore's charge gets the nod. Placed in point-to-points, Lincs Lad could prove best of the remaining trio on his debut under Rules as Brunswick Gold has shown little so far in three starts over the larger obstacles and The Bravetraveller has yet to show worthwhile form in any sphere.
Brunswick Gold (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Led until approaching 3rd, tracked leaders, lost place 10th, weakened next, tailed off, 6th of 11, well behind Mister Hyde (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov chs (4) sft in Dec.
Lincs Lad 13-2 (12-0) 3rd of 16, 41l behind Hurlstone Tower (12-0) at Tabley 3m ptp gf in May.
Presque Perdre 7-1 (11-0) Led, clear to after 9th, headed 12th, led again 14th, headed 2 out, no chance with winner approaching last, 2nd of 4, 10l behind Blenheim Brook (11-0) at Newcastle 3m beg chs (4) gs in Dec.
Storming Gale (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up, headway to track leaders 9th, blundered next and fell, in a race won by Carpincho (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 6f beg chs (4) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
The Bravetraveller (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) In rear and mistakes, blundered 3rd, struggling from 8th, soon tailed off and pulled up, in a race won by Soul Angel (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m 4f am hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Dec, 7 ran.