blundered and unseated rider 1st, remounted 2 circuits behind to finish a remote 3rd
chased leaders, left in lead approaching 11th, finished race in a canter
led, mistake 2nd and 10th, jumped awkwardly 10th, saddle slipped on landing, pulled up before next, resaddled, continued a circuit behind to finish a remote 2nd
tracked leader, carried out approaching 11th
Family Venture impressed when beating former stablemate Khan Kicker on his chasing debut at Sedgefield and is taken to prove too strong for his rivals here. Rated 100 at his best over hurdles, he looked to have plenty to find with Khan Kicker, who was rated some 21lbs superior over timber, but the switch to chasing clearly brought about some improvement and as he can race off just a 3lbs higher mark in this, he could well prove a blot on the handicap. Passing Wind didn't shape too badly on his chasing debut and will be more at home over this trip having given the impression that the extended three-miles was beyond him. He has nothing to fear from Golden Rod on that running and can provide the main threat to the selection. Fare Dealing is well exposed and it would be something of a shock if he was good enough to pose a threat on these terms, so Family Venture, who is open to plenty of improvement is taken to keep his unbeaten record over the larger obstacles.
