tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, hit 9th, ridden to challenge 4 out, held from next
made all, shaken up to go clear 3 out, ridden out
with winner, jump slowly 6th and lost 2nd, ridden after 8th, no chance from 4 out
Nonrunner
Cava Bien was useful over hurdles and ran better over fences at Exeter last time so has to be respected as does Kirbys Glen, who ran better last time but a chance is taken with the Evan Williams-trained Highland Games. The selection is surely better than he has shown when pulled up in both starts over fences of late and he may be worth another chance on the evidence of earlier form over hurdles. The Walnut Tree has given little sign of ability so far; while Explosive Fox is capable but would need to improve to trouble the judge and it may be worth chancing Highland Games.
Cava Bien 50-1 (10-9) Led 3rd until 8th, outpaced after 11th, stayed on from 4 out but no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Le Burf (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gs.
Explosive Fox (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Led, hard ridden after 10th, headed after 4 out, kept on same pace from next, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Cleymor House (9-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
The Walnut Tree (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) With clear leader and keen, reminders 5th, led 7th, ridden when headed 12th, weakened 14th, tailed off, 4th of 10, well behind Menchikov (11-0) at Ludlow 3m beg chs (4) sft in Feb.
Highland Games (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway after 7th, mistake 12th, weakened 5 out, well behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by The Sawyer (11-0) at Chepstow 3m beg chs (4) sft, 10 ran.
Kirbys Glen (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Led, headed when pecked badly 3 out, weakened approaching last, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Manhattan Boy (11-0) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) sft.
