led to 2nd, chased leaders to 8th, stayed prominent, left 3rd 4 out, driven to regain 2nd approaching 2 out, no impression
not fluent and always in rear
led 2nd to 11th, still in 2nd and 2 lengths down when fell 4 out
in touch, hampered 4 out, plugged on one pace from next
chased leaders until lost place 8th, soon driven along and in rear, well behind when blundered 12th
soon tracking leaders, went 2nd at 8th, led 11th, left clear 4 out, in command from 3 out, stayed on strongly
chased leaders, left chasing winner 4 out to approaching 2 out, weakened between last 2
held up in rear, making headway well in touch and travelling ok when brought down 4 out
Nonrunner
A competitive hunter chase can go the way of a back on song First De La Brunie, with Spring Margot, Coole Glen, Derrintogher Yank and Provacative just a few with pretty obvious claims. The selection is usually pretty hit-and-miss however if on a going day he could go well at a decent price for trainer Francis O'Brien. Although his best form has been on softer ground, today's conditions should pose little problem and he should strip fitter for a fairly recent point-to-point outing. Spring Margot was very disappointing when a beaten favourite last time out but if back on song he must have major claims, as does Coole Glen who was readily outpointed by the former last time they met but should appreciate today's slightly longer trip although he may just need the run. Derrintogher Yank has presumably not been seen for a while due to waiting for better ground and he rates a danger along with Va Vavoom who won a point in good fashion last time out and comes here fit and raring to go. Provacative is consistent but may prefer softer ground, so therefore we will return to First De La Brunie to land the spoils.
Spring Margot (FR) 9-4fav (12-7) Led, headed approaching 2 out, no extra, 6th of 8, well behind Mouseski (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 5f hts chs (6) sft.
Coole Glen (IRE) 2-1 (12-3) Held up in touch, went 2nd 8th, ridden after 3 out, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 24l behind Spring Margot (12-3) at Stratford 2m 1f hts chs (5) sft in May.
Derrintogher Yank (IRE) 6-4fav (12-5) Led 2-9; led 11; qcknd clr 13; held on wl flat, won at Dingley 3m ptp gf in Jun beating Cape Stormer (12-5) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Lowlander 3-1fav (11-4) Towards rear, progress into moderate 7th after 3 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 5th of 11, 33l behind Akhtari (11-4) at Roscommon 2m 5f hcp chs 0-123 sft in Oct.
Halexy (FR) 40-1 (11-5) Mid-division, pushed along and lost place 8th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Cobreces (12-5) at Haydock 2m 6f hts chs (3) hvy in Feb, 11 ran.
Provocative (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Held up, headway 4 out, soon every chance, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 15l behind Mouseski (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 5f hts chs (6) sft.
Shareef (FR) 7-2jt-fav (11-0) Nrst fin, 5th of 15, 6l behind Bell Rock (11-0) at Cottenham 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Va Vavoom (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Raced wide; led 11th; clear 4 out; ran on strongly, won at Higham 3m ptp gd beating Make Haste Slowly (11-7) by 20l, 11 ran.
First De La Brunie (FR) 8-1 (12-0) Led to 13; sn lost plce; t.o & pulled up in race won by Spring Grove (12-0) at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Jan, 8 ran.
