raced in last, pushed along 3 out, jumped right and headway 2 out, challenged last, led flat, soon clear
soon chasing leaders on outside, ridden after 3 out, mistake 2 out, no extra last
chased leader, slow 1st, ridden 10th, led after 4 out, pressed last, headed flat, soon beaten
led until after 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leaders, not fluent 6th, mistake 4 out, went 2nd before 3 out until approaching last, no extra flat
Last year’s winner HIGH NOON was beaten almost nine lengths behind Avoid De Master at Hexham but is 6lb better off and it would be no surprise to see a form reversal on this generally easier course with Micky Hammond’s charge reunited with Conor O’Farrell. Rizzardo is back on a winning mark and usually runs his race but Morgenstern was soon left behind by the odds-on Mortlach at Huntingdon two days ago and Any Givin Sunday is making his chasing bow after four months off.
Avoid De Master (IRE) 28-1 (11-4) In touch, headway to chase leaders from 3 out, shaken up approacing final fence, ridden to lead final 150yds, kept on well, readily, won at Hexham 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Croagh Patrick (10-10) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Any Givin Sunday (IRE) 15-2 (11-8) Raced keenly in 3rd out wide, went 2nd before 2 out, ridden and well held between last two, weakened into 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 4, 12 1/2l behind A Different Kind (11-12) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gs in Jan.
Morgenstern (FR) 2-1 (12-0) Reluctant to jump off, led after 1s until went left 2nd, not fluent and reminder next, not fluent 5th, last 7th, closed on 2nd before 2 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 9l behind Mortlach (12-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Rizzardo 6-1 (11-12) Led, headed 2nd, led again 8th, headed 10th, led again soon after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching next, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Anightinlambourn (11-11) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Mar.
High Noon (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Towards rear, ridden and went modest fourth approaching final fence, never dangerous, 4th of 7, 8 3/4l behind Avoid De Master (11-4) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr.