mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, kept on well under pressure, not reached winner
behind, good headway from 4 out, chased leaders next, kept on same pace
in touch, lost place before 3 out
tracked leaders, led 8th, mistake last, driven out
mid-division, jumped slowly 8th, pulled up before next
in touch, every chance when fell 8th
in touch, reminders after 4th, under pressure 8th, soon weakened
led, headed 8th, soon weakened, pulled up 2 out
in touch, lost place 8th
mid-division, not fluent 2nd, headway 8th, chased winner 4 out, ridden to challenge next, stayed on same pace approaching last
held up in rear, under pressure 8 soon beaten
behind, tailed off 8th, pulled up 2 out
prominent, joined leader 7th, under pressure 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up 2 out
always behind, pulled up 2 out
Withdrawn
Big John Macarty threatens to deliver more than he does and so with that in mind we will side with Choumakeur ahead of Kings Story. The selection has shown glimpses of ability in his five starts over hurdles, having previously impressed on his debut bumper run at Plumpton. He seems to be effective on any ground and, only beaten by three lengths at the line last time out at Southwell, this mark of 90 doesn't look to be beyond him. Big John Macarty is yet to win in 14 starts all told, but he has gone close on many occasions and he cannot be ruled out, although having another crack at fences may be the way forward for this strapping, well-related individual. Don't Be Bleu showed up ok on his British debut, and Peter Bowen's gelding looks of interest with Tony McCoy an intriguing jockey booking. King's Story ran ok in a poor race last time out but her novice trainer is still looking for her first winner under rules, whilst at a price Petrus De Sormain could be up to running into a place. A very open contest, with Choumakeur given the nod.
Petrus De Sormain (FR) 33-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway after 5th, soon ridden, weakened last, 5th of 16, 10l behind Dovedale (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
Choumakeur (FR) 5-1fav (11-1) Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace flat, 4th of 15, 3l behind Union Deux (11-3) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Apr.
Big John Macarty (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Mid-division, closer order 10th, chased winner from 4 out, one pace and mistake last, 2nd of 12, 10l behind Dundridge Native (11-4) at Plumpton 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Nov.
Don't Be Bleu (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, wandered approaching 2 out, kept on, 4th of 12, 6l behind Coeur d'Alene (11-12) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Apr.
Devil's Disguise 25-1 (10-10) Prominent, led 5th, headed approaching last, soon weakened, 6th of 18, 24l behind Wise Choice (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Apr.
Deo Gratias (POL) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, ridden when headed next and weakened 2 out, 9th of 16, 48l behind Jug Of Punch (10-9) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Oct '06.
Kings Story (IRE) 11-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, slow jump 5th, steady headway from 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, soon driven, no impression, 2nd of 9, 11l behind Lightening Fire (10-3) at Plumpton 2m 5f sll hcp hdl (5) gd in Apr.
Avoine (IRE) 15-2 (10-13) Held up, raced keenly, not fluent 2nd, headway 3rd, weakened 3 out, 7th of 8, 33l behind Dancing Partner (10-9) at Stratford 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Mar.
