tracked winner, mistake 5 out, ridden before last, kept on from last, held towards finish
made all, quickened from 4 out, held on well towards finish
tracked leaders and in rear, outpaced after 9th
Nonrunner
DEPUTY DAN and Virak had an almost identical rating over hurdles. Both could go right to the top over fences but we just fancy Oliver Sherwood's charge to come out on top given he won a Grade 2 event at Warwick last season and only found one too good at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Neither Zigzaga nor Ballydague Lady stand much chance on these terms if the market principals jump round safely.
Deputy Dan (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, challenged after 3 out, led after 2 out, went 3rd lengths clear off home bend, jumped slowly last, soon headed, no impression on winner flat, kept on same pace, 2nd of 18, 4 1/2l behind Very Wood (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Virak (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 5th, outpaced before 3 out, rallied approaching last, ran on under pressure flat, 4th of 14, 5l behind Brother Brian (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Ballydague Lady (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Held up in rear and in touch, outpaced before 4 out, went 3rd before 3 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 4, well behind Salubrious (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (4) gd.
Zigzaga (IRE) 28-1 (10-0) Held up, went 4th 8th, not fluent 11th, soon struggling, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Market Option (11-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jun, 6 ran.
