made all, slipped badly on landing 8th and rider lost whip, drew 5 lengths clear after 4 out, kept on, driven out
chased winner from 2nd, reminders after 6th, ridden after 4 out, rallied 2 out, every chance last, weakened close home
tailed off from 4th, pulled up before 8th
chased leaders, jumped right from 5th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 4 out
held up behind leaders, went 3rd at the 7th, no chance with leading from 4 out, mistakes last 3
A fascinating race sees Pablo du Charmil, Penzance and Royal Shakespeare shortlisted, with the vote going to Royal Shakespeare. It is fascinating to see high-class hurdler Royal Shakespeare debuting over fences and his presence in the race, he was rated in the 150s over hurdles, is a welcome one. So is that of the 2005 Triumph Hurdle winner, Penzance, who gave Denman a good race for a long way at Exeter two runs ago. Add to the mix Pablo du Charmil.who scored well at Exeter on his chasing debut, and you have a good contest to look forward to. Maybe Royal Shakespeare's class can see him through and, accordingly, he is the selection.
Pablo Du Charmil (FR) 5-6fav (11-5) Led 2nd, mistake 4 out, ran on, won at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (4) gf beating Black Hills (11-5) by 12l, 4 ran.
Penzance 7-2 (11-5) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Fair Along (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs.
Gunville 66-1 (10-7) Led 1st to 7th, ridden, lost touch 12th, soon behind, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Matt The Thrasher (11-0) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
Redi (ITY) 9-1 (10-12) Started slowly, behind, ridden and some headway approaching 3 out, no chance when hit and slightly hampered last, 10th of 15, 18l behind Go For Bust (11-7) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Jan.
Obelix De Longechaux (FR) 13-2 (10-6) unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Avitta (11-7) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs, 10 ran.
Royal Shakespeare (FR) 12-1 (10-13) Chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Crow Wood (10-1) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gd.
