led to 2 out, soon no extra
chased leaders, pushed along approaching 3 out, ridden to chase winner last, no impression
in touch when blundered and unseated rider 5th
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
close up, challenged 4 out, led 2 out, clear last
soon behind, tailed off from halfway
This novices' chase can go the way of Tous Chez; Medison and Nevertika are the others to consider. The selection won well over fences at Carlisle last time when he beat Water Taxi. He is still open to plenty of improvement as that was only his second outing over the bigger obstacles and with ground conditions to suit he looks to have solid claims. Medison won well last time at Kelso and he has a similar profile to our selection. He is another who has conditions to suit and it will be no surprise to see him go close. Nevertika was running well over hurdles towards the end of last season but he may be better for this outing on his return from a break on his chasing debut. Manadam looks the best of the others, but for the winner we will stick with the progressive Tous Chez.
Medison (FR) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led 6th, ridden clear flat, comfortably, won at Kelso 2m 1f beg chs (4) gd in Oct beating Or de Grugy (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Tous Chez (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Mid-division, effort 4 out, led 2 out, stayed on well, won at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) gd in Oct beating Water Taxi (11-2) by 2l, 11 ran.
Manadam (FR) (10-6) won at Auteuil 2m 1f chs in Jun beating Slim Pearl (9-13) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
King Daniel 5-1 (11-5) Chased leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 16, 25l behind Hue (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Nevertika (FR) 12-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out to chase leaders, ridden and effort after next, switched left approaching last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Or Jaune (10-8) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Tipp Mid West (IRE) 200-1 (10-8) Always in rear, struggling from 8th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Tidal Bay (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) gs, 9 ran.