led, pecked 13th, narrowly headed 3 out, chased winner but no chance from 2 out
chased leaders, went left 8th, blundered and lost place 12th, mistake next, soon in rear, tailed off 15th, pulled up soon after
chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd until approaching 6th, went 2nd again approaching 9th, went right 11th, lost 2nd after 4 out, chased leaders, no extra from next, tailed off and eased
held up in last trio, dropped to rear at 11th, rallied after 3 out, went modest 4th just before 2 out until weakened last
chased leader until hit 3rd and lost place, went 2nd again approaching 6th until 12th, chased leaders, pushed along in 4th 4 out, went modest 3rd before next, no extra in 4th run-in
raced wide, held up last, steady headway approaching 9th, chased leaders 12th, went 2nd after 4 out, led narrowly next, came readily clear from next, stayed on strongly, easily
held up in last pair, pushed along when mistake 12th, struggling 14th, rallied well from 2 out, went modest 3rd run-in
Sire Collonges and SEA OF THUNDER enjoyed a cracking battle here at the opening meet of the season last month when the former prevailed by a couple of lengths. There should be little between them once again but the Irish raider is just taken to reverse placings with the Nicholls charge on 3lb better terms. The runner-up also made a mistake two out that day which proved costly at an important stage of the contest, having otherwise jumped well. Our Father was something of a talking horse last term in a truncated campaign but has undeniable talent and it's interesting that David Pipe re-introduces him here in such a competitive affair. He is certainly a fascinating recruit to the larger obstacles. The Irish hand is further strengthened by Sraid Padraig and White Star Line in what should be a most informative contest.
Sire Collonges (FR) 4-1 (11-5) Made virtually all, 4 lengths clear when awkward landing 2 out and rider unbalanced briefly, gathered up and stayed on well, won at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gs in Oct beating Sea Of Thunder (11-5) by 2l, 8 ran.
Masters Hill (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Prominent in chasing group, closed from 8th, led 10th, clear from 4 out, stayed on well, won at Chepstow 3m nov chs (4) gs in Oct beating Rev It Up (11-4) by 6l, 6 ran.
Sea Of Thunder (IRE) 11-8fav (11-5) Held up, not fluent 12th, headway 4 out, chased winner next, 4 lengths down and driven 2 out, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Sire Collonges (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gs in Oct.
Sraid Padraig (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway into 4th 4 out, 3rd next, improved to challenge before straight, led before 2 out, ridden to assert before last, kept on well, won at Limerick 2m 3f beg chs sft in Oct beating He's A Delight (11-12) by 8l, 16 ran.
What A Warrior (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Mistake 1st, held up, mistake 4th, ridden to close approaching 3 out, pecked slightly 2 out, one pace last, 4th of 7, 8l behind Carlito Brigante (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gs in Oct.
Our Father (IRE) 8-1fav (11-10) In touch on outside, lost place after 7th, behind from 9th, pulled up after 4 out, in a race won by Cape Tribulation (11-12) at Aintree 3m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gs in Apr, 21 ran.
White Star Line (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Held up, not fluent 5th, 5 lengths off leader when blundered badly 4 out, no impression after, soon pulled up, in a race won by Sire Collonges (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gs in Oct, 8 ran.
