jumped left at times, tracked leaders, went 2nd from 4th, switched left after 3 out, ridden and hanging left before last and flat, driven to lead close home
in touch in rear, headway 8th, ridden before 4 out, soon beaten, lost 3rd before last
tracked leader on outside, not fluent 2nd, lost 2nd 4th, last next, behind from 6th
tracked leaders, not much room 3rd, not fluent 7th, outpaced before 4 out, soon well held, went 3rd before last
led, ridden after 2 out, edged right flat, headed close home
BIVOUAC is Noel Fehily’s only booked ride and Nicky Henderson’s novice, second on his debut over the larger obstacles at Exeter, should have few problems seeing off these rivals if putting in a clear round. Seven Nation Army ran 16 times over hurdles but couldn’t manage a single win. He was placed eight times, however, so is the one most likely to chase home the selection as Gorran Haven and Mr Jim were both tailed off in small fields last month.
Bivouac (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Took keen hold and raced wide early, tracked leading pair, went 2nd 5th (water) until pushed along approaching 4 out, no impression when left modest 2nd 2 out, 2nd of 6, 14l behind Gala Ball (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f (3) sft in Feb.
Gorran Haven (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Led to 2nd, soon in rear, struggling from 7th, soon tailed off, left remote 2nd from 5 out, 2nd of 3, dist behind Might Bite (11-6) at Doncaster 3m (4) gs in Feb.
Mr Jim 40-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, lost place 7th, weakened 4 out, modest 3rd, last of 3, dist behind Holly Bush Henry (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (3) sft in Feb.
Seven Nation Army (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Tracked leading pair, hit 2nd, pushed along before 5th, soon outpaced and no chance with 1st two, 3rd of 5, 31 1/2l behind Finian's Oscar (11-11) at Exeter 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Feb.
Spoilt Rotten 100-1 (10-12) In rear, well behind from 5th, blundered 7th, pulled up before next, at Hereford 2m (4) sft in Jan.
