led, clear usual 2 out (actual last), ran wide on home bend, headed on extended run-in, stayed on, just held
tracked leaders on inside, ridden before 6th, weakened approaching usual 2 out (actual last)
in touch, hit 1st, pushed along and last before 3rd, reminder after next, soon lost touch, tailed off when veered very badly right 5th, pulled up after
chased leaders on outside, pecked 2nd, ridden 5th, outpaced next, rallied after usual 2 out (actual last), led on extended run-in, held on
tracked leader, not fluent 1st, no impression on leader usual 2 out (actual last), rallied on extended to run-in, no extra towards finish
Lake Chapala was beaten 15 times in Ireland before joining Tim Vaughan. He's steadily improved in his three starts for new connections and there looks to be a race in him after finishing runner-up over the minimum trip here last month. VENT NIVERNAIS, an import from France, had been chasing before reverting to hurdles and running well over slightly further here last time. The shorter trip should suit and he's handed the vote. Astrum had been running in slightly higher grade before a fair run at Catterick where he found the minimum trip too short so he should get involved with his rider's claim a bonus. Fifi L'amour is 5lb out of the handicap and Sawwala has shown nothing.
Astrum 5-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, headway before 3 out to chase leaders, chase winner 2 out, kept on and held run-in, 2nd of 11, 7l behind Notebook (11-3) at Catterick 2m hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Lake Chapala (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Close up, chased winner 5th, driven to challenge 2 out, weakened before next, just held on to 2nd, 2nd of 8, 9l behind It's Oscar (10-13) at Fakenham 2m hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Sawwala 20-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, headway approaching final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 9, 8 1/2l behind Easydoesit (9-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Vent Nivernais (FR) 9-2 (10-5) Raced wide close up, joined winner 7th and soon clear, ridden to lead narrowly approaching 2 out, driven and headed bend approaching last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 3 1/4l behind Hassadin (11-8) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Fifi L'amour (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) Mid-division, headway 3rd, lost place after 7th, well beaten 2 out, 8th of 11, 19 1/2l behind Titch Strider (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
