tracked leader until 6th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 4 out, left moderate 2nd 3 out
tracked leaders, went second 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, 2 lengths down when left well clear 3 out
soon tailed off, left poor 3rd 3 out
led, travelling well enough and 2 lengths clear when fell 3 out
I Hear A Symphony was better over hurdles than Axinit who in turn was better than Knapp Bridge Boy; however the nap hand belongs to CHAPOTURGEON. The Nicholls and Walsh bandwagon continues to build up the steam and the four-year-old gelding is fancied to make a winning debut. Whatever he achieved over hurdles is likely to be superseded this season and having finished in midfield in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham when last seen, he can run up a sequence assuming his jumping stands the test. Axinit is only moderate on the flat but he was able to win a few over hurdles although he has a bit to prove having been pulled up latest, whilst I Hear A Symphony is not one to take lightly as he comes from a good family and chasing will be his game. A good opportunity for Chapoturgeon, receiving weight all-round, to make a winning chasing debut.
Axinit (GER) 50-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden and weakened 6th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Indian Pipe Dream (10-11) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Aug, 16 ran.
I Hear A Symphony (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakening approaching last, 4th of 15, 13l behind Tchico Polos (10-12) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Knapp Bridge Boy 200-1 (11-2) Led until 2nd, lost touch from 5th, tailed off and pulled up at the last in race won by Sir Harry Ormesher (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Oct, 10 ran.
Chapoturgeon (FR) 14-1 (11-10) In touch, raced keenly, lost place before not fluent 3rd, effort approaching 2 out, soon no impression, 9th of 22, 29l behind Crack Away Jack (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
