made all, jumped right throughout, clear approaching 2 out
with leader, uper pressure before 2 out, soon weakened
The field size seems to get smaller every year, but this year's renewal of the Peterborough Chase can go to Racing Demon who won this last year; any of the other three runners poses a threat. Were this a handicap, then Racing Demon would have to give more weight away than his Grade Two winners penalty of 5lbs and having won first time up last year, he can land this race for the second year running. Tony McCoy is making the quick jump across from Ascot for this plum ride and so everything is in place for another big run, with this track a favourite going his favoured way round (all wins have come going right-handed). Aces Four could prove to be the biggest danger; Ferdy Murphy and jockey Graham Lee were both pleased with his reappearance run at Wetherby despite the horse being pulled up and likely to be fitter today, he should run well, especially as he takes up this engagement rather than the Betfair Chase over at Haydock. Fair Along is a wonderful little horse and his strike-rate speaks volumes. However he has struggled to get it all together since finishing second in the Arkle although he may be able to dominate this small field from the front. Natal completes the lineup and whilst he has a bit to find on official ratings, he cannot be ruled out back over fences over his optimum trip. An intriguing renewal, in which Racing Demon can have the last laugh.
Racing Demon (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up, progress into 5th after halfway, 4th when slight mistake 5 out, 6th next, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 15l behind Neptune Collonges (11-12) at Punchestown 3m 1f chs Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Natal (FR) 11-1 (11-5) Held up, headway after 8th, ridden to chase leaders soon after, weakened 3 out, 4th of 9, 32l behind Sonnyanjoe (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl (2) gs in Oct.
Aces Four (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up and behind, not fluent 12th, progress soon after, weakened quickly after 3 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Ollie Magern (11-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gf, 7 ran.
Fair Along (GER) 11-8fav (11-10) Chased leader, mistake 7th, not fluent next, ridden when blundered 4 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Pablo Du Charmil (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd.
