made all, dived at 5th, in command and clear from 2 out, pushed along from last, unchallenged
tracked leading duo, hit 10th, not fluent 12th, pecked 15th, went 2nd next, hit 3 out and driven, soon no chance with winner
chased winner, mistake 3rd, hit 10th, not fluent 12th, reminders next, hanging right from 14th, lost 2nd 16th, soon lost touch, tailed off
Nonrunner
Acrai Rua hasn't built on his C&D victory here last June but Evan Williams tries him in a first-time visor here. Cottage Flyer landed a point-to-point in Ireland earlier this month then turned up at Fakenham five days later and landed a beginners' chase. That was a poor event but he jumped well and is on the upgrade. QUARTZ DE THAIX was a useful hurdler who has won a couple of minor races over fences. He was taken off his feet on quick ground over 2m5f in the Grade 3 Byrne Group Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and should be more at home over this trip. He just gets the nod over Balthazar King, whose last three runs have been at Cheltenham with a close fourth behind subsequent Festival winner Chicago Grey being the highlight.
Balthazar King (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Led to 4th, tracked leader, lost place 5 out, soon outpaced, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 8, 36l behind Time For Rupert (11-9) at Cheltenham 3m 1f nov chs (2) gs in Dec.
Acrai Rua (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Always behind, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Bellflower Boy (10-10) at Ffos Las 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd, 11 ran.
Cottage Flyer (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Made all, strongly challenged when left in clear lead 4 out, pushed along approaching 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Fakenham 3m beg chase (3) gd beating Erzen (10-7) by 9l, 7 ran.
Quartz de Thaix (FR) 7-1 (11-2) In touch on outside, outpaced after 4 out soon ridden, kept on same pace from next, never on terms, 7th of 20, 16l behind Holmwood Legend (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) gd.
