pressed leader, led before 5th, not fluent 9th, headed after 4 out, kept on until outpaced approaching 2 out, soon no chance with winner in clear 2nd
in rear, not fluent 2nd, went remote 4th at 6th, never any chance with leaders
led narrwoly to before 5th, chased leader to 8th, soon no chance with front pair in clear 3rd, mistake last
behind, struggling 6th, continued tailed off, never any chance with leaders
chased leading pair to 4th, struggling 6th, soon lost touch, continued tailed off
blundered and went right 1st, held up in 4th tracked leading pair 4th, went 2nd at 8th, led after 4 out, drew readily clear from 2 out, driven out flat, eased towards finish
Nonrunner
It's welcome back to the most exciting sight in National Hunt racing - SPRINTER SACRE. The concession of weight all round should prove little hindrance to the Nicky Henderson superstar who created such a magnificent impression throughout his novice chasing campaign. He jumped round here in spectacular fashion when routing Cue Card and company in the Arkle at the festival and is unopposable on his seasonal reappearance. Wishfull Thinking is a useful tool in his own right and looks the obvious one for forecast punters after finishing second in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last time. Doeslessthanme is next best as he was much improved last term for Paul Nicholls. However, he has never been asked to participate at such an elevated level before and we'll find out more about him here.
Doeslessthanme (IRE) 10-3fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, blundered 8th, headway 4 out, led 2 out, clear last, ridden out flat, won at Ayr 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Apr beating Bocciani (10-3) by 6l, 9 ran.
Lancetto (FR) 33-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, behind 11th, tailed off, 16th of 20, dis behind Nadiya De La Vega (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs 0-150 (2) gs in Oct.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Prominent throughout, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Cristal Bonus (11-10) at Down Royal 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) gs.
Finch Flyer (IRE) 80-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, weakened from 7th, last of 7, well behind Hazy Tom (11-1) at Warwick 2m nov chs (3) sft.
Kinkeel (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, pushed along before 10th, soon lost place, 6th of 11, 21l behind Frosty Lad (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
Wishfull Thinking 9-1 (11-10) Held up behind, driven 5 out, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, chased leading pair next, stayed on to take 2nd between last 2, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 11, 23l behind For Non Stop (10-11) at Aintree 2m 4f ltd hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Oct.
Sprinter Sacre (FR) 1-7fav (11-4) Took keen hold, tracked leader after 1st, led 6th, clear after 8th, impressive, won at Aintree 2m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Apr beating Toubab (11-4) by 13l, 4 ran.
