led, soon clear, headed approaching 4 out, soon faded
tracked leaders, close up 5 out, went 2nd next, hard ridden and effort approaching last, one pace under pressure
in touch to halfway
behind, some late headway, never dangerous
in touch to halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up in mid-division, outpaced 5 out, kept on one pace from 3 out
tracked leader, led approaching 4 out, blundered 2 out, stayed on strongly
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
behind, blundered 3rd, never dangerous
This is a competitive novices' chase in which Stormy Lord, Supreme Developer and Bold Bishop look to be the leading players and the vote is given to Stormy Lord. The selection is a big strong galloper and he won in emphatic fashion last time when beating Wild Power. He is clearly on an upward curve and as he remains unexposed he should take plenty of beating. Supreme Developer ran well when a close second behind Imperial Dream last time and he has an obvious chance. He should make the frame here, but he is developing a habit of finding one too good and that may be the case again here. Bold Bishop was useful over hurdles and he has to be of interest now that he goes over the bigger obstacles. However, he has not been seen out since April and he may just need the run. Compadre fell on his seasonal reappearance, but he is another to consider. However, for the winner we are happy to stick with Stormy Lord.