led, headed briefly after 5th, ridden and headed approaching 12th, weakened next
in touch until blundered 7th, ran on again flat
held up, mistake 1st, lead after 5th, headed next, lead again 12th, headed approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
mistakes in rear, pushed along 9th, never dangerous
chased leaders 5th, headway approaching 4 out, led and slight mistake 2 out, pushed clear, readily
Another small field for this decent prize at Chepstow, but nevertheless an intriguing contest. The tough and consistent Canadiane is rarely out of the frame and despite giving 3lbs away to her four rivals, she would have to have chance here, especially under Tony McCoy, who can galvanise her over this sort of trip. Cape Stormer is an interesting newcomer to the bigger obstacles. A somewhat fortunate winner over hurdles at Fontwell in May, he comes here fresh and being an inmate of the Paul Nicholls' yard we can take it on trust that he will have been well schooled, though to win a ¿15,000 race on your first start over fences would be some achievement. But the one who catches the eye here is La Landiere. A very good handicap hurdler on her day, she has already enjoyed a confidence boosting win over fences at Market Rasen, on fast ground, and this sort of trip will certainly suit her. If she can reproduce anything like her hurdles speed here then Mick Fitzgerald is the man to get her jumping well and guide her home in front.
