tracked leader, led 8th, headed 10th, weakened 13th
tracked leader, led 10th, headed 12th, weakened 2 out
led, jumped left throughout, headed 8th, led again 12th, headed approaching 4 out when ridden and mistake
behind from 4th, soon tailed off
held up, headway to join leader on bit approaching 4 out, soon led, ran on well, easy
Sasso, Bonchester Bridge and Dune Raider form the shortlist in this novices' chase and the vote goes to Sasso. The selection justified favouritism when winning here last time in convincing fashion to beat Dasher Reilly. He probably would have won previously when falling at this venue and this progressive chaser looks one to stay on the right side of. Bonchester Bridge jumped well on her chasing bow but she tired close home at Exeter last time and she could be worth another chance. Dune Raider was hampered last time at Huntingdon and he won well at Leicester previously so he is another with solid claims. Pseudonym looks the best of the others, but for the winner we will stick with the form horse Sasso.
Dune Raider (USA) 5-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, not much room 8th, hampered next, headway 10th, ridden 12th, weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 12, 39l behind Pedros Brief (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
Pseudonym (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, jumped slowly 5th and 6th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up at the 8th in race won by King Louis (11-3) at Ascot 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Dec, 9 ran.
Sasso 13-8fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led approaching 10th, clear before 13th, easily, won at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Oct beating Dasher Reilly (11-3) by 9l, 6 ran.
Supreme Marque (IRE) 125-1 (10-7) Always in rear, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Genghis (11-0) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (4) gf in Jun, 16 ran.
Bonchester Bridge 6-1 (10-12) Always prominent, ridden 4 out, one pace, 5th of 12, 31l behind Helen Wood (10-6) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
Star Shot (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Towards rear, headway after 9th, chasing leaders when fell 4 out in race won by Thunder Rock (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov, 10 ran.
