tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, led 6th, headed when not fluent 4 out, one pace flat
tracked leaders, led 4 out, went right last, ridden clear
led until 6th, ridden when blundered 4 out, weakened next, eased
held up in rear, closed 7th, not fluent 4 out, no impression on leaders, not fluent last
tracked leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 3rd, disputing close 2nd 3 out, not fluent next, held last, stayed on towards finish
BERTENBAR has been punished with a 10lb hike for a comfortable success at Hereford but looks to have plenty of room for improvement, goes well for Andrew Thornton and can get this field on the stretch with his customary pacesetting tactics. Hopefully, he can presage a better season for Henrietta Knight. Piment D'Estruval, an Irish import, has already got his head in front for new connections and should appreciate the drop back in trip. Beauchamp Viking has only won at Towcester to date, whilst Bushwacker appears in the handicapper's grip at present.
Bushwacker (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Held up last, not fluent 2nd, closer order to join leaders 7th, led next, mistake and pecked 3 out, driven and headed before 2 out, soon lost 2nd, hit 2 out and weakened, lost modest 3rd flat, last of 4, 21l behind Health Is Wealth (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Piment D'estruval (FR) 9-2 (11-3) Held up in rear, headway and in touch on outside 8th, mistake next, led narrowly 2 out, headed between last 2, soon ridden, kept on until one pace and no impression when lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Himrayn (11-12) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Bertenbar 11-8fav (11-0) Made all, ridden and in command when hit 2 out, driven clear from last, won at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Mar beating Roc De Guye (10-11) by 9l, 7 ran.
Beauchamp Viking 3-1 (10-4) Slowly away, behind, closed 3rd, headway 8th, ridden after 2 out, switched right and went 2nd last, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf beating Red Jester (11-3) by nk, 6 ran.
Goodtimetoby (IRE) 10-1 (10-1) Held up, ridden 7th, soon weakened, pulled up 4 out, in a race won by Autumm Spirit (10-0) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Mar, 9 ran.
