led and set steady pace, headed 2 out, no extra before the last
took keen hold early, tracked leader, not fluent 3 out (water), challenged 2 out, every chance when pecked last, weakened run-in
tracked leading pair, led narrowly when blundered 2 out, soon recovered, joined last, ridden and came clear run-in
never fluent, always last, not fluent 1st and 5th, closer at 10th, outpaced 12th, tailed off and pulled up before last
All of these are returning from a lay-off though Emerging Talent’s absence stretches back to April last year. He’s won three of nine starts over hurdles and has every chance on these terms if taking to the larger obstacles but MICK THONIC is preferred. The latter won a higher grade novice chase at Cheltenham back in April and his experience over fences should stand him in good stead here. Robinshill and Kayf Adventure also make their chasing debuts with the latter preferred on his form over timber.
Mick Thonic (FR) 13-8 (11-0) Chased leaders, not fluent 6th (water), 2nd from 9th, led when mistake 2 out, 1 length ahead when mistake last, soon strongly pressed, ridden out, holding rival towards finish, won at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Apr beating Marracudja (11-8) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Emerging Talent (IRE) 5-6fav (11-12) Tracked leading pair, 2nd 5th, challenged 2 out, soon led, clear before the last, ridden out, won at Wincanton 2m 4f (4) gs in Apr beating Kerrow (11-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
Kayf Adventure Evensfav (11-12) Chased leaders, effort 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Misterton (11-11) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Robinshill (IRE) 40-1 (11-6) Towards rear, pushed along before 3 out, never dangerous, 11th of 19, dist behind Chesterfield (11-1) at Aintree 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
