tracked leaders, hit 6th, chased leader 3 out, led approaching next, ran on, comfortable
jumped right at times, tracked leader until 3 out, ridden to chase winner 2 out, kept on same pace
led, pushed along and headed approaching 2 out, ridden and weakened approaching last
This could be very tactical with no obvious front runner in a contest essentially aimed at staying novice hurdlers. Monkey Puzzle defied a break of 730 days no less to score comfortably at Southwell last month and will surely improve considerably for the run but THE BUTCHER SAID has progressed with each of his three runs since joining Olly Murphy and was especially impressive at Cartmel recently. He looked really progressive that day and can complete the three-timer. Deputy Jones shaped quite nicely on hurdling debut and isn't ruled out by any means in receipt of hefty chunks of weight from the penalised pair.
The Butcher Said (IRE) 7-4 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway 2 out, went 2nd and poised to challenge between last 2, led after last, ridden and in command flat, stayed on well, won at Cartmel 2m 6f (4) gd in May beating Young Wolf (11-4) by 4l, 4 ran.
Monkey Puzzle 11-4 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 3rd (usual 5th), led 2 out, ridden clear before last, stayed on well, comfortably (all flights in back straight omitted, low sun), won at Southwell 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in May beating Masteen (10-12) by 9l, 10 ran.
Deputy Jones (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, went 3rd 3 out, effort when hit next, soon ridden and one pace, stayed on and just failed for 2nd near finish, no impression with winner, 3rd of 5, 7 1/4l behind Danse Idol (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gd in Apr.
