held up, headway to go 25 lengths 2nd after 8th, 8 lengths down and going well when fell 4 out
jumped well, made all, clear approaching 5th, left well clear after 4 out, unchallenged
chased winner until 6th, outpaced approaching 8th, stayed on from 4 out, went poor 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, hit 3rd, went 2nd 5th until 8th, weakening when left 2nd 4 out
held up and always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
In the novices' chase, Sporazene gets the call ahead of El Vaquero and Do l'Enfant d'Eau, but this is a fascinating race. Last season's County Hurdle winner is well-regarded in chasing terms by his astute handler and, much as he was novicey on occasion, he eventually won comfortably on his chasing debut over today's course and distance and we feel that he is the one to beat again, as he contains that vital ingredient of class. Ashley Brook more than paid his way over hurdles and should win chases, Backbeat also scored over hurdles, as did Mister Felix and they are all interesting recruits to chasing but El Vaquero and Do l'Enfant d'Eau, who both achieved ratings in the 120s over hurdles, might provide Sporazene with his stiffest opposition. Goldbrook was also very consistent over hurdles, and his rating reached 112 but, once again, in a race that should produce a good number of chasing wins, the vote goes to Sporazene.
