held up, not fluent 4th and 8th, ridden after next, some headway after 4 out, went 3rd approaching 2 out, no chance with leaders
in touch, hit 3rd and dropped rear, went 4th 2 out, never on terms
held up, headway into 3rd 9th, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out
made all, drew clear from 3 out, unchallenged
in touch, went 4th after 9th, ridden after 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leading pair until 9th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
raced keenly, chased winner throughout, no chance with winner from 3 out, hit 2 out, mistake last
Poquelin looks the clear pick of this relatively ordinary bunch and can win this novices' chase from Wheelavit in what appears to be something of a match. The selection is rated a country mile clear of these officially after being good enough to contest in Listed and Grade 2 company over hurdles, and he comes into this off a hurdling mark of 135. It is a shrewd move by Paul Nicholls to wait with him until this time of year, and it is probably likely that he will try to win one or two of these races before being put away for the autumn if he shows the same sort of ability and aptitude for this version of the sport. Wheelavit won a couple of novices' hurdles last summer and conditions and trip will suit Brendan Powell's runner. There shouldn't be any problems as far as fitness is concerned given that he has been kept going in the spring and so provided he jumps well enough he looks next best here. The others look to be battling for minor place prize money and conditions will suit Popcorn Rosie, who gets allowances and may well be best of the rest. The vote however, has to be with Poquelin.
Croft (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Held up behind leaders, effort after 2 out, weakening when blundered last, 4th of 6, 31l behind Auditor (9-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f sll hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Apr.
Do The Locomotion (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Prominent, ridden 2 out, weakened last, 7th of 17, 38l behind Dansimar (9-8) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Etendard Indien (FR) 100-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, reminders 9th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Gods Token (10-12) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov chs (3) gs in Jan, 7 ran.
Poquelin (FR) 10-3 (11-6) Made all, drew clear after 2 out, driven out, won at Sandown 2m hdl (2) gd in Apr beating Alph (11-8) by 2l, 8 ran.
Tupac Amaru (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden after 11th, soon weakened, 7th of 11, well behind Mister Gloss (10-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd in Apr.
Wheelavit (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Held up, in touch 3 out, beaten 2 out, 8th of 13, 17l behind Majaales (11-4) at Newbury 2m nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Mar.
Popcorn Rosie 50-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden 3 out, one pace approaching last, 5th of 18, 6l behind Chinara (11-0) at Ludlow 2m mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in Jan.
