in touch, mistake 3rd, ridden next, weakened 5 out, pulled up before last
awkward 1st, tracked leader, led after 4 out, challenged 3 out, ridden out
held up in rear, weakened and pulled up 5 out
led, headed after 4 out, weakened next
held up, joined leaders 4 out, every chance 3 out, switched right and one pace approaching last
In a relatively strong looking novice chase JAUNTY FLIGHT has the nod ahead of Jigsaw Dancer and Or Bleu. A hurdler rated at 145 the selection scored on her debut over the bigger obstacles and although far from impressive it was her first run for 272 days. She's bound to come on for that run and has proven form on testing ground. Or Bleu would have a lot to find on the pick based on their hurdles mark but like his rival is already off the mark over fences. That came on testing going last time out over a much longer trip at Bangor and the line has since been franked with the second placed horse from the contest going on to score so has a big chance of upsetting the pick. Jigsaw Dancer has been running really well and already has a useful looking mark in this sphere of 132 but has some form to overturn on Or Bleu who beat him into third place three starts ago over timber. The ground won't be an issue either and he's looked improved since being sent chasing. Super Forman and Raysrock have enough form to be noted while Windinthewillows will have to find a monumental improvement to figure but in a generally strong field we side with Jaunty Flight.
Jigsaw Dancer (IRE) 5-4fav (11-5) Raced in 2nd, joined leader 3 out, led soon after, strongly pressed last, headed and not pace of winner final 100 yards, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Heathcote (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) hvy in Dec.
Or Bleu (FR) 11-4 (11-2) Tracked leader, led approaching 2 out, stayed on well from last, won at Bangor 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy in Nov beating Romping Home (10-9) by 2l, 7 ran.
Windinthewillows (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding out of Tante Marie.
Jaunty Flight 11-8fav (10-5) Close up, not fluent 6th (water), 2nd at 11th, closed from 2 out, upsides last, led soon after, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Newbury 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) sft in Jan beating Fit To Drive (11-4) by 2l, 9 ran.
Super Formen (FR) 11-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, went second 7th, ridden when not fluent 3 out, weakened approaching last, 8th of 19, 26l behind Punchestowns (11-12) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov.
Raysrock (IRE) 5-2 (10-9) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th, third and outpaced when pecked 5 out, ridden and no impression from next, 4th of 8, 16l behind Kealshore Boy (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
