made most to 7th, with leader, led again 9th, driven and headed after 3 out, readily outpaced by winner between last 2, ridden and no impression in 3rd from last
not always fluent, in touch in rear, tracked leaders 4 out, outpaced after next, no extra between last 2, 4th and beaten when blundered last, weakened flat
in touch, joined leading pair 6th, effort 2 out, went 2nd at last, ridden and kept on under pressure flat, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, led going well after 3 out, drew readily clear between last 2, good jump last, ridden out, stayed on well, impressive
disputed lead, led 7th, hit and headed 9th, remained prominent on outside, outpaced turning in, behind when mistake 2 out, stayed on into modest 4th flat
NonRunner
Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Defi Du Seuil makes his chasing debut having ran poorly the last twice over timber. Lalor was last seen winning a Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree in April and Richard Johnson stays loyal for the former’s first start over fences while Pingshou won the same event at Aintree in 2017 and also debuts over the larger obstacles. One For Billy ran out in a novice chase here last month and will need to improve further on his earlier winning form while smart hurdler Claimantakinforgan made a winning start over fences at Uttoxeter and should go well. But Paul Nicholls has won this six times in the last 10 years and DYNAMITE DOLLARS (NAP) produced an impressive round of jumping at Market Rasen on his chasing bow. He looks another strong contender for the Ditcheat trainer and gets the nod.
Claimantakinforgan (FR) 1-3fav (11-2) Led until 6th, led before 8th, pecked 2 out, given 2 reminders after last, soon asserted, won at Uttoxeter 2m (3) gd in Nov beating Chesterfield (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 3 ran.
Defi Du Seuil (FR) 9-1 (11-9) In rear, pushed along from 2 out, no impression straight, 7th of 8, 26 1/2l behind Supasundae (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Feb.
Dynamite Dollars (FR) 7-4 (11-2) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, driven clear after last, readily, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f (3) gd in Oct beating Highway One O One (11-8) by 9l, 4 ran.
Lalor (GER) 14-1 (11-4) Held up in touch in mid-division, closed from 5th, challenged 3 out, soon led, pressed between last 2, found more and starting to pull away last, edged left and driven flat, stayed on well, won at Aintree 2m (1) sft in Apr beating Vision Des Flos (11-4) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Pingshou (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, closed up 4th, on terms before next, narrowly headed before straight and pushed along, dropped to 3rd approaching last, no extra, one pace, 3rd of 7, 4 1/4l behind Cilaos Emery (11-12) at Punchestown 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Apr.
One For Billy 7-2 (11-10) Held up, went 3rd 8th, closed after 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, trying to challenge when ran out flat (went through tape dolling off run-in to rest of course), at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
