led until 10th, chased leader, urged along before 14th, not fluent next, pecked 16th, pushed along before 3 out, ridden to lead and going best when left alone 2 out
jumped right on occasions, tracked winner, led 10th, awkward 12th, going clear when hit 4 out, reduced lead before next, ridden and headed when fell 2 out
injured and pulled up quickly after 1st
Story Of Friends was hampered last time at Uttoxeter but only won a hunter chase here before that. SKATMAN is making his chasing bow but has won a point and a couple of hurdles. He seems to go well here and has more scope than Lakota Warrior, who has disappointed since scoring at Doncaster in March.
Skatman (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Led, ridden before 2 out, pressed 2 out, headed narrowly last, rallied and led again briefly run-in, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 6, nk behind Valentino (10-2) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in May.
Lakota Warrior (IRE) 5-4fav (12-2) Tracked leader until 3rd, chased leading pair, reminders before 4 out, weakened quickly next, eased, 4th of 5, dist behind Vernon Subutex (11-13) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in May.
Story Of Friends (FR) 11-4 (11-6) Not always fluent, held up in rear, headway when not much room 4 out, pressing for 3rd from next, no impression, 4th of 7, 14 1/2l behind De Barley Basket (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
