chased winner to 5th, 4 lengths down in 2nd when fell 3 out
held up in rear, weakened from 8th
tracked leaders, headed 4th, chased winner next until ridden approaching 3 out when left 2nd, no impression
made all, soon clear, 4 lengths up when left clear 3 out
chased leaders, weakened 4 out, pulled up after 2 out
A competitive race for the time of year but we expect Zilcash to complete his hat-trick with the minimum of fuss. The selection was the best of these over hurdles despite only winning twice and he has made a smooth transition to chasing. He jumped exceptionally well for a novice on debut and should see out this longer trip will enough. His subsequent display at Aintree was more workmanlike but it came fast on the heels of his previous run and he has been freshened up since. Chrysander and Orpen Wide are closely matched on official ratings and on their form at Cartmel where they finished clear of Atticus Boy. Orpen Wide has run a rare flat race since then but can never be left out of the equation. There was a lot to like about Dhedaah's win at Huntingdon but this will provide a sterner test of his mettle. Seymour Weld ran a fine race to get the better of Premier Dane over course and distance but this looks tougher and Zilcash should take all the beating.
Chrysander 7-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, challenged on bit 4 out, shaken up to lead after last, soon clear, eased towards finish, won at Worcester 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf beating Ocean du Moulin (11-5) by 9l, 6 ran.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway after 6th, led 8th, headed 10th, ridden after 11th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 10, well behind Oumeyade (11-7) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
Zilcash 10-11fav (11-5) Chased leader, led 4th, clear approaching last, won at Aintree 2m nov chs (4) gd in May beating Dishdasha (10-12) by 33l, 7 ran.
Dhehdaah 9-2 (10-12) Held up, went 3rd after 4th behind clear front pair, closed from 3 out, led just before 2 out, clear between last 2, heavily eased flat, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in May beating Noble Ben (10-12) by 13l, 7 ran.
Seymour Weld 13-2 (10-11) Made all, clear when hit last, held on gamely, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd beating Premier Dane (11-0) by a nk, 6 ran.
Atticus Boy (USA) 4-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 3 out, headed 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 4, 7l behind Orpen Wide (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 1f nov chs (4) gd in May.
Flashy Sir 14-1 (11-9) Held up, headway approaching 10th, ridden to dispute 3rd after 13th, one pace from next, 5th of 9, 9l behind Marblehead (11-3) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hts chs (5) gd in Apr.
The Artful Fox 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, pushed along and struggling when mistake 12th, 4th of 8, well behind Go West (11-0) at Southwell 3m 2f nov chs (4) gd in May.
