mostly 2nd until led 12th, stongly pressed when fell, 3 out
jumped left, held up in last, mistake 3rd, went 3rd after 4 out, left 2nd 3 out, beaten 2 out, fell last
led, jumped left 10th, headed 12th, weakened approaching 3 out, left remote 2nd last
mostly 3rd, not fluent 8th, went 2nd after 4 out, strong challenge when left in lead, 3out, drew clear from next
Just the four runners turn up for this Graduation Chase and if running to his best Battlecry should have terms to run a big but with the gelding well out of form we side with the best in at the weights DUC DE REGNIERE while Pasco looks the best of the remaining pair. With a record of two wins from two starts over course and distance the selection has put in some solid efforts in top races since scoring at Newbury in November. That was over a longer trip but he has tasted success over this test and given the way this race is framed he should be back on top. Pasco has a bit to find on these terms and looked outclassed in some top races towards the end of last season. This should be easier and this top yard have been amongst the winners. Battlecry needs to find some form but should be seen in a better light now downed in trip while Sir Harry Ormesher will need to improve on his runs so far to have any chance. Only a quartet of runners but a tight race that on these terms should go to Duc De Regniere.
Pasco (SWI) 14-1 (11-3) Held up, ridden before 3 out, stayed on from last, never dangerous, 8th of 17, 14l behind Oh Crick (11-1) at Aintree 2m hcp chs G3 (1) gd in Apr.
Sir Harry Ormesher 6-1 (11-8) Held up, blundered 13th, ridden and challenged 4 out, no chance after, 4th of 6, 35l behind Breedsbreeze (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grade 2 4yo+ (1) sft in Nov '08.
Battlecry 16-1 (11-4) Hampered 1st, soon in touch, mistake 8th, soon dropped rear, behind when pulled up after 10th, in a race won by Russian Around (10-9) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs (2) gd in May, 17 ran.
Duc De Regniere (FR) 14-1 (11-10) Mid-division, 6th halfway, 5th approaching 7th, ridden 3 out, no extra in 5th entering straight, kept on one pace, 5th of 10, 29l behind Fiveforthree (11-10) at Punchestown 3m hdl G1 gs in Apr.
