travelled well, held up, headway 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, chance last, kept on same pace
led until 2nd, led 6th, kept on well from 3 out, ridden out
held up, ridden after 9th, never on terms
tracked leaders, hit 11th, soon ridden, weakened after 4 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 10th, plugged on same pace from 3 out
led 2nd until 6th, chased winner, ridden approaching 3 out, chance last, kept on same pace
held up, ridden and headway after 4 out, went close 3rd next, weakened 2 out
With race fitness on his side OHANA is given the nomination to land this handicap chase despite the burden of top-weight here. A miniature gelding, the 7lb claim of his capable rider is of real value here on the selection who showed the benefit of three outings over fences earlier in the summer when putting in a good round of jumping to land a beginners chase two weeks ago. Storm Of Applause finished last season off on a high with a win and a second and importantly has proven himself to go well fresh in the past. Soleil Fix is the likely pace setter in the race. It was disappointing to see him beaten last time. Ground conditions were against Lace Your Boots last time and if he attracts support do take note but Ohana is the selection.
Storm of Applause (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) In touch, ridden and outpaced 4 out, stayed on from next, every chance 2 out, one pace flat, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Kilrogan (10-13) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Soleil Fix (FR) 9-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, led after 3 out, driven and headed after 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 8l behind He's The Gaffer (11-0) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Jul.
Two Miles West (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) In touch, weakened after 11th, 8th of 14, 24l behind Aleron (11-12) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Sept.
Free Gift 16-1 (11-6) Tracked leader, ridden 11th, mistake 13th, soon behind, last of 7, well behind Mighty Matters (11-6) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Mar.
Pan The Man (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Prominent, led briefly 3rd, with leader until led 7th, ridden 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, no extra, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Roussea (10-4) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Sept.
Waterspray (AUS) 5-1 (10-5) Chased leader, led approaching 6th, headed after 4 out, mistake 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Jazz Dance (11-4) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept.
Lace Your Boots (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Held up, headway 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 7, 28l behind Andrew Nick (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Sept.
Ohana 10-1 (10-11) Soon prominent and jumped well throughout, led 5th, ridden 2 out, clear last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) gf in Sept beating Presentandcorrect (11-4) by 11l, 11 ran.
