tracked leader, led 2nd, made rest, clear 6th, reduced lead when jumped right from 4 out, 2 lengths clear and staying on when left 12 lengths clear and unchallenged 2 out, very easily
held up in 4th, went 3rd at 8th, outpaced when jumped right 4 out, left 12 lengths 2nd 2 out, stayed on, no chance with winner
tracked leading pair to 8th, ridden and outpaced after 5 out, well held in 4th when hit next, left 3rd 2 out, stayed on, no chance with winner
led to 2nd, tracked clear leader and winner, headway and effort 4 out, 2 lengths down in 2nd and driven when mistake, slipped and fell 2 out
mistake 3rd, always in rear, struggling 10th, left remote 4th 2 out, never near leaders
Winning bumper and hurdler Hidden Keel made all to gain his first success over fences at Leicester where he defied several jumping errors. He had no chance in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase last time and will be more at home in this company. Pascha Bere was a decent hurdler and made a winning debut over fences on heavy ground at Plumpton. He had very little chance of conceding 6lb to Starluck at Huntingdon next time but ran well and looks certain to give a good account here. OUR BOMBER HARRIS ran some cracking races over hurdles and was quietly fancied to make a winning debut over fences at Doncaster but blundered his way round and was eventually well beaten. He should have learned from the experience and gets the vote under Harry Skelton. Lupita is making her chasing bow and it was in a very moderate handicap that she gained her first success over hurdles in 29 starts here last time, while Belcantista may need another run or two after finishing lame on his latest start in November.
Hidden Keel 12-1 (11-4) Prominent, went 2nd 5th, led 7th, mistake 9th, not fluent 13th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened before next, last of 9, well behind Medermit (11-4) at Sandown 2m 4f nov chs G1 (1) gd in Feb.
Pascha Bere (FR) 7-2 (11-4) Led to after 3rd, tracked leaders, jumped slowly 6th, driven and outpaced approaching 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Starluck (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (3) sft in Feb.
Belcantista (FR) 5-1 (11-1) Held up in rear, headway after 8th, no impression, weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 7, 48l behind Royal Charm (11-1) at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Nov.
Our Bomber Harris 7-2 (10-12) Took keen hold, led from 1st, blundered 2nd, headed 7th, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 18l behind Film Festival (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd.
Lupita (IRE) 12-1 (9-7) In touch, headay to 3rd 4 out, went 2nd before 2 out, driven soon after, stayed on to lead towards finish, very good ride, won at Exeter 2m 1f am hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs beating Only Hope (9-13) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
