led until 2nd, remained prominent, led after 3 out, hung badly right flat stayed on
tracked leaders, every chance 3 out, one pace after 2 out
held up in 4th, took closer order 8th, led approaching 12th, headed 3 out, weakened next
led 2nd, headed approaching 12th, soon weakened
The selection in this four runner event is Perange who has plenty of Hunter Chase experience and has been in sparkling form in point-to points recently.He should continue on his winning ways with just the three in opposition. Beauchamp Oracle was quite impressive when winning a Hunter Chase at Cheltenham earlier this month which followed a victory at Exeter.He will be big in opposition. Merry Path has not been in the best of form recently,but if returning to his winning form of last May would have to be considered. Rigadoon has been pretty much out of sorts and would need to improve to take a hand. The choice is Perange to complete the hat-trick.
Beauchamp Oracle 11-2 (12-0) Held up, took closer order after 8th, went 2nd 16th, led and left clear 4 out, well in command after, won at Cheltenham 3m 1f hts chs (4) gd beating Egypt Point (12-0) by 9l, 14 ran.
Merry Path (IRE) 5-1 (12-4) Chased winner until approaching 3 out, 3rd and no chance when blundered 3 out and pulled up at the last in race won by Gatsby (12-0) at Fontwell 3m 2f hts chs (4) hvy in Feb, 7 ran.
Perange (FR) 4-5fav (12-4) A.p; led 4-3 out; rallied app last; led cl home, won at Penshurst 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Great Jubilee (12-0) by 4l, 6 ran.
Rigadoon (IRE) 13-8 (12-0) (cp) made all; qcknd clr 2 out; easy, won at Easingwold 3m ptp gf beating Colonel Ludlow (12-0) by 8l, 6 ran.
