led, 6 lengths clear and in command when fell last
held up, mistake 9th, ridden and mistake 3 out, soon weakened, left poor 2nd last
held up, headway 8th, 3rd when fell 11th
chased leader, ridden approaching 3 out, left in clear lead last, pushed out
chased leaders to 8th, behind when hampered 11th, tailed off when left 3rd last
An interesting novices' chase that should provide this quintet with a good test at this stage of their careers - and Better days, with a win over fences already to his name, is selected in the hope that he has enough scope to defy his penalty. Atlantic Crossing, who is bred to make an impact in this sphere, is given the vote as the best of the rest and, as a winner over hurdles at this course in the past, he has to be respected with conditions to suit on his chasing debut. Bold Sub, whose form line with Longshanks was given a boost at Ayr yesterday, is also one to watch out for with an eye to the future and the betting market should be watched for signs of confidence. However, it was reported that he had breathing problems last season and would not really want the ground to be too testing for his first start since March. Therefore, with fitness on his side, Better Days is given the vote today. The son of Supreme Leader made every yard of the running when holding the useful Thyneandthyneagain at Southwell at the start of this month and a similar effort will make him hard to reel in this afternoon. This galloping track should suit his style of running and, considering his trainer's impeccable strike-rate from her visits to Haydock, Better days is taken to live up to his name this afternoon.
