with leader until led approaching 6th, headed when stumbled 8th, mistake 4 out, challenging left in lead 3 out, drew clear from 2 out
jump with no zest, in rear, reminder after 5th, lost touch after 9th
led until approaching 6th, remain prominent, left close 2nd 3 out, soon ridden, no impression 2 out
tracked leaders, went prominent 7th, led approaching next, narrow lead when fell 3 out
Only a small field goes to post for this Novices' Chase and we will nominate BERGO to get the better of Franchoek. The selection could not have been more impressive on his chasing debut when he won with his head in his chest. He was a useful novice hurdler for Evan Williams last season and with this longer trip in his favour he could be one to stay on the right side of. Franchoek was top class over hurdles and he certainly has to be of interest on his chasing debut. However, there is a worry over his ability to see out this trip and on that basis we will take him on today. Barnhill Brownie looked smart over hurdles but he was a little laboured on his chasing debut when he finished third behind Wychwoods Legend and he will need to jump with a bit more fluency if he is to get competitive. Grenoli looks out of his depth, while Bedizen will need to show significant improvement for the switch to the bigger obstacles if he is to make his mark in this company. Bergo looks a smart chasing prospect and he gets the vote.
Bergo (GER) 8-11fav (10-13) Chased clear leader, closed on leader 7th, led next, soon clear, comfortably, won at Kempton 2m beg chs (4) gf in Oct beating Stumped (11-2) by 17l, 5 ran.
Barnhill Brownie (IRE) 6-4 (11-2) Jumped deliberately, prominent until lost place 3rd, blundered badly 13th, stayed on flat, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Wychwoods Legend (10-9) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (3) gs.
Bedizen 16-1 (11-9) Chased clear leaders, not fluent 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Harry Tricker (11-5) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Franchoek (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Keen early, held up off the pace in 5th, closed approaching 2 out, left 2nd briefly bend before last, weakened flat, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Tazbar (11-8) at Cheltenham 3m hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Grenoli (FR) 66-1 (11-1) Mistakes, in rear, lost touch 8th, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Simple Jim (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf, 13 ran.
