chased leaders, pushed along before 3 out, soon lost touch, tailed off
handy, shaken up before 4 out, ridden and no impression on easy winner from 2 out
made all, jumped well, in command from 2 out, coasted home unchallenged
NonRunner
The bold-jumping Huelgoat has won both starts over fences with the minimum of fuss but a further 6lb rise and step up in trip are concerns. French import Family Business is seeking a fourth win over the larger obstacles but the interesting one is chasing debutant JEFFERY’S CROSS. He’s a full brother to the useful Knockgraffon and is sure to have had plenty of schooling.
Family Business (FR) (11-2) 6th of 9, 27 1/2l behind Belle Promesse (10-7) at Auteuil 2m 2f hvy in May.
Jeffery's Cross (IRE) 8-13fav (11-8) Made all, shaken up rounding home bend, driven approaching final flight, soon switched right after, ran on, just prevailed - finished 1st, placed 2nd, won at Warwick 2m 3f (4) gd in May beating Mourzouk (11-8) by nk, 4 ran.
Huelgoat (FR) 13-8fav (11-2) Raced in 3rd, travelled strongly and jumped well, headway to join leader 7th, led 2 out, shaken up run-in, ran on well, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Mascat (12-0) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Fairlawn Flyer 7-2 (11-11) Held up off the pace in last pair, good headway chasing leaders before 4 out, led before 2 out, clear soon after, stayed on strongly, eased close home, won at Ffos Las 3m hcp (4) sft in Feb beating Thomas Patrick (11-12) by 10l, 14 ran.
Al Roc (FR) 7-1 (10-4) Raced keenly, led, went clear 2nd, 15 lengths ahead at 8th, reduced lead turning in, pushed along and joined 4 out, soon headed, ridden and stayed on same pace, from next, no chance with easy winner, weakened and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Some Chaos (11-8) at Chepstow 3m hcp (2) gf in Oct.
