tracked leader, led as leader slithered on landing 3 out, soon clear
led, slithered on landing 3 out, soon headed, not recover
Nonrunner
A small field but hard to rule out any of the five runners and it is only tentatively that we select SUPERIOR WISDOM ahead of Midnight Chase and Recif De Thaix. Alex Hales' gelding impressed when disposing of Phoenix Des Mottes at Kempton last time. He seemed to relish the step up in trip then so this shorter trip and sharper track may not be ideal, however he looks a progressive horse and should be followed. Recif De Thaix has a chequered record but put in a better run when third to Awesome George at Hereford last time out, Reblis doesn't look convincing when push comes to shove and he goes with just the blinkers on today, whilst Marty's Mission rates a bigger danger. Richard Rowe's Zaffaran gelding was pulled up at Cheltenham last time out but his previous form over fences, especially a second to Punchestowns at Newbury, puts him firmly in the mix. The consistent Midnight Chase was rewarded here last time when fending off Amore Mio but he didn't convince with his jumping on that occasion and looks vulnerable in this better race. An open race despite the small field with the narrow vote going to Superior Wisdom.
Recif De Thaix (FR) 9-2 (10-10) Chased leaders, led 7th, headed approaching 2 out, 2 lengths down in 2nd and one pace when blundered last, lost 2nd flat, kept on, 3rd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Awesome George (11-1) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (3) sft.
Superior Wisdom (IRE) 5-2 (10-9) Tracked leader, hit 9th, led after 12th, came clear from 4 out, won at Kempton 3m nov chs (3) gd beating Phoenix Des Mottes (10-5) by 22l, 4 ran.
Martys Mission (IRE) 28-1 (10-4) Always behind, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Great Endeavour (10-1) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) gs, 24 ran.
Midnight Chase 4-6fav (11-0) Tracked leader, hit 3rd, led approaching 3 out, kept on under pressure last, held on well towards finish, won at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chase (4) gs beating Amore Mio (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Reblis (FR) 3-1 (10-10) Held up in 5th, hampered 13th, hit next, stayed on to press for 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 3rd of 5, 21l behind Dancing Mist (10-12) at Exeter 3m nov chs 0-115 (4) gs.
