tracked clear leader, took closer order 5 out, led approaching last, drew clear flat, comfortably
tracked leaders, effort 3 out, soon weakened, modest 3rd
led, soon clear, challenged 3 out, headed approaching and mistake last, no extra
NonRunner
Suited by soft ground, SIMPLY THE BETTS (NAP) jumped well and travelled strongly throughout at Chepstow nine days ago. He has a penalty but will be 3lb higher from next week so is potentially well treated in this. Empire De Maulde and Coole Well both did well over hurdles last season but may just need the run and experience today. The King Of May is a danger, however, as he beat Wednesday’s Exeter winner Esprit Du Large at Carlisle when easy to back and is only 6lb higher.
Simply The Betts (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) In touch on inside, went 2nd 4 out, challenged next, led when mistake 2 out, clear last, eased towards finish, won at Chepstow 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Espoir De Guye (11-3) by 4 1/2l, 12 ran.
The King Of May (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 5 out, led 3 out, hard driven, held on well, won at Carlisle 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct beating Esprit Du Large (11-4) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Coole Well (IRE) 13-8jfav (11-6) Tracked leader, not fluent 1st, led next, headed after 4 out, not fluent 3 out, weakened before not fluent 2 out, 5th of 8, 30 1/4l behind Skandiburg (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (4) gd in Apr.
Empire De Maulde (FR) 11-4 (11-8) Held up in rear, smooth progress after 4 out, every chance when mistake 3 out, led before next, stayed on well, won at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Mar beating Lazarus (11-6) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.