in touch, took close order 13th, led 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra flat
led 2nd, headed when blundered and unseated rider 15th
led 1st, headed and in touch until weakened 17th
in rear, ridden after 7th, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway after 13th, ridden and stayed on to lead flat
held up, headway 7th, ridden 4 out, weakened last
held up, mistake 4th, mid-division when mistake 9th, soon behind, pulled up before 14th
in rear, headway 9th, mistakes 12th and 13th, soon lost position, weakening when pulled up before 3 out
prominent, ridden and mistake 2 out, always held
always prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, breifly left in lead last, not quickened flat
in touch, tracked leaders 4 out, led 2 out until jumped slightly right and unseated rider last
chased leaders, ridden 10th, weakened next
With stamina the key here, Cherry Gold should go close, with fellow course and distance scorer Jolly Giant and Andy's Birthday two others in with a shout. Despite being far from foot-perfect, Cherry Gold gained his first two victories over the course and distance in hunter-chase company last year, and then had the speed to win over hurdles in August. He was most disappointing on his return to action a fortnight ago in a Wincanton hunter chase, and now has the services of a professional jockey in Leighton Aspell. The horse has plenty of ability and a return to this track should suit his style of running. He gets a pound from Jolly Giant who has not really progressed since opening his account here in 2002. The fact that he was tailed off and pulled up at Fontwell in January hardly inspires confidence, but it is hard to ignore the fact that he represents the Nicholls-Walsh team. Andy's Birthday is fully exposed, but likes soft ground and bounced back to form with the aid of a tongue-tie at Hereford the time before last. A rise in the weights found him out on a return to that course next time, and it is asking a lot of the veteran to score here. Further down the weights, Apple Joe makes some each-way appeal. The eight-year-old appreciated forcing tactics when opening his account at Plumpton, but oddly has been held up in two subsequent starts, including behind Tipp Top Lord here in February. Chepstow suits front runners, so a return to those tactics could see Apple Joe run a big race. However, we prefer the claims of Cherry Gold.
