tended to jump left, tracked leader, challenged 7th, led next, not fluent 4 out, 4 lengths clear when blundered 2 out, driven out flat
led, mistake 3rd, joined 7th, headed when left sole rival next, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, blundered next, kept on same pace from 2 out, always held
held up 3rd and last, 4 lengths down when mistake and unseated rider 8th
Menorah got back to winning ways at Taunton last month but still has a lot to learn about jumping fences and, despite his obvious class, could be worth taking on here against a couple of promising novices. KUMBESHWAR proved no match for Zaynar over a longer trip at Ascot last month but never looked in any trouble when making all at Plumpton subsequently. His jumping is improving with experience and he could be the value bet in this though the mare Alasi hasn't done a lot wrong in two runs over fences at Ludlow and Huntingdon, though this trip looks on the sharp side.
Menorah (IRE) 1-4fav (11-0) Made all, mistake 1st, drew clear on bit 4 out, 25 lengths clear and cantering when blundered last, unextended, won at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (5) gs in Dec beating Royale's Charter (11-0) by 13l, 3 ran.
Kumbeshwar 4-11fav (11-0) Made all, pushed along after 3 out, clear from next, not fluent last (no time taken), won at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (3) hvy beating Criqtonic (11-4) by 16l, 3 ran.
Alasi 1-6fav (11-4) Held up in last and behind early, went 4th after 9th, went 2nd on bit 4 out, led next, clear flat, very easily, won at Ludlow 2m 4f mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) gs beating Bellaboosh (10-9) by 7l, 6 ran.
