tracked winner, not fluent 2nd, jumped right and unseated rider next
made all, joined briefly 2 out, soon ridden, driven out
held up in 3rd, left chasing winner 3rd, closed 8th, every chance when not fluent 2 out, stayed on towards finish
Just the three runners turn up for this Novice Chase and although Lady Hillingdon is likely to be in warm order we prefer WEST WITH THE WIND after an impressive display last time but Noble Request can't be ruled out. Useful over timber the pick has begun to show he is just as good if not better over the bigger obstacles. He was an easy winner over course and distance in a similar small field race last time and if in the same mood might be hard to beat. Lady Hillingdon ran well on her chase debut in Ireland last time promising wins in this sphere in the future. She ran up to a decent standard over timber and with McCoy up she has a strong chance. Noble Request sets the standard on his hurdles form and on his chase runs. He already has wins to his name over the bigger obstacles so looks a really decent benchmark. There may only be a handful of runners but it's competitive, however, after such a good win last time we like West With The Wind.
Noble Request (FR) 4-5fav (11-5) Held up 3rd and last, went 2nd and challenged 3 out, led before next, driven clear flat, eased towards finish, comfortably, won at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (4) gf in May beating Songe (10-12) by 9l, 3 ran.
West With The Wind 7-2 (11-5) Led 2nd, made rest, hit 8th, 5 lengths ahead and going strongly 3 out, in no danger after, eased near finish, won at Ffos Las 2m nov chs (4) gf beating The Jigsaw Man (10-12) by 14l, 4 ran.
Lady Hillingdon 2-1fav (11-7) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, 4th when mistake 4 out, ridden in 3rd approaching 2 out, no impression from before last, kept on one pace run-in, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Tribes And Banner (11-9) at Tipperary 2m 1f beg chase gf.
