led and set good pace, hit 11th, narrow leader when fell heavy four out
winner, in rear, mistake 9th, steady headway 14th, disputed lead 2 out, led soon after, went right under pressure and ran on
tracked leaders, mistake third, jumped right sixth, lost touch from 12th
tracked leaders, tracked leader from 13th, left in lead 4 out, ridden and jumped right 3 out, challenged 2 out, headed soon after, switched left but no extra,
3 distance, tracked leaders, driven 13th, ridden and weakend 4 out
Two of the most promising novice chasers go head to head here, and we think Comply Or Die can just get the better of Cornish Rebel, the best of the remainder should be St Maththew. Martin Pipe's five-year-old is learning this game at a rate of knots and landed his third race of the season at Cheltenham last time. His two market rivals came to grief on that occasion, but his previous victories have been against decent opponents and he remains on target for the Royal And Sun Alliance Chase at the festival. Cornish Rebel has always been expected to make a talented chase and he did everything he was asked when making a winning start to his fencing career at Lingfield. He faces a big step up in class today but should be capable of giving the selection a tough race. St Matthew has won his two chases to date and comes here after creditable efforts in top hurdle events. This versatile performer can once again take a hand in the finish. Distant Thunder and Daniels Hymn complete a fascinating line up, but Comply Or Die has the best overall form and is taken to oblige.
