led, pushed along after 3 out, driven and headed last, one pace flat
tracked leader, not fluent 3 out, closed before next, led last, ridden out
tracked leading pair, not always fluent, 2 lenghts off leader when fell 2 out
not always fluent, held up in 4th, fell 4 out
An interesting novice chase despite the small field with That'll Do, who won on his chasing bow at Stratford in May, looking to build on an encouraging run in a Listed handicap at Newton Abbot in August. Icy Colt was beaten in a match at Uttoxeter earlier this month but may have needed the run and wears blinkers for the first time here. He can't be ignored but the four-year-old JOLLY ROGER jumped really well when scoring easily at Ludlow. These fences are a lot tougher but he looks a nice prospect and could well follow up with winning hurdlers Bottman and For Non Stop probably best watched after a break.
Icy Colt (ARG) 7-4 (11-7) Led until 2nd, led after next, headed 8th, led 9th until went left next, led 12th, driven after 3 out, headed before last, no extra towards finish, last of 2, 4l behind Karasenir (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov chs (4) gf.
That'll Do 12-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, mistake 5th, close up 11th, no impression on winner when disputing 3rd last, no extra flat, 5th of 14, 9l behind Stewarts House (10-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f listed hcp chs (1) gs in Aug.
For Non Stop (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden after 10th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 19, well behind Saint Are (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Jolly Roger (IRE) 11-4 (10-7) Held up in rear, hit 5th, went 3rd 5 out, challenged when pecked badly 4 out, led 3 out, clear before last, heavily eased run-in, won at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf beating Wester Ross (11-4) by 11l, 6 ran.
Bottman (IRE) 4-9fav (11-6) Led, jumped left, ridden after 2 out, headed last, hung left and beaten flat, last of 2, 2 1/4l behind Buck Mulligan (11-6) at Ludlow 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
