took keen hold tracking leading pair, challenged 4 out, tracked winner before next, every chance 2 out, ridden no extra and well held before last
held up tracking leaders in 4th, challenged on outside 4 out, pushed along disputing 2 lengths 3rd when bumped and unseated rider 3 out
jumped right, tracked winner, led after 13th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, lost 2nd before 3 out, disputing 2 lengths 3rd when left modest 3rd 3 out
led, headed after 13th, chased leader, led again 4 out, joined 2 out, stayed on to assert before last, pushed readily clear flat
tracking leaders when mistake and unseated rider 2nd
JUST A PAR was a little novicey when beaten by Shotgun Paddy on his chasing bow at Chepstow but the winner is useful and he'll know more today. Paul Nicholls' charge should be able to take advantage of the 7lb he receives from Third Intention, a little disappointing when only third at Wincanton after getting off the mark in a match at Cheltenham. But the latter is still preferred to Huntingdon winner Le Reve and Exeter runner-up Ardkilly Witness, who looks as though he'd benefit from a more thorough test of stamina. Typical Oscar looks to be well out of his depth.
Third Intention (IRE) 3-1 (11-8) Led, joined 4 out (usual 5 out), headed approaching 2 out (usual 3 out), soon ridden, no impression with front pair on long run-in, 3rd of 4, 11l behind Wonderful Charm (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs.
Le Reve (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, slow 4th, mistake 7th, outpaced 4 out, rallied 2 out, left in 2nd at last, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs beating Hi Note (10-9) by nk, 5 ran.
Ardkilly Witness (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, led before 4 out, soon headed, mistake 3 out, beaten last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 6, 7l behind Smad Place (11-3) at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) gs.
Just A Par (IRE) 4-7fav (11-4) Held up tracking leading trio, went 2nd 5 out, ridden approaching 3 out, well held and no chance with winner before next, 2nd of 5, 13l behind Shotgun Paddy (11-4) at Chepstow 3m nov chs (4) sft in Oct.
Typical Oscar (IRE) 100-1 (11-3) In last pair, pushed along after 11th, not fluent 13th, well beaten after next, last of 6, well behind Smad Place (11-3) at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) gs.
