made all, ridden after last, just held on
with winner, reminders and lost 2nd place before 6 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 6 out, challenged 2 out, just held close home
Nonrunner
According to the handicapper, FAR WEST has 20lb and upwards in hand over his three rivals and should be winning this with a clear round. He didn't jump very well behind Sire De Grugy at Chepstow last time but this is a much easier task. Lysino is a little quirky and hasn't raced for a while so Gentleman Jon could be the one for forecast-backers given he's been quite highly tried over fences so far.
Far West (FR) 5-2 (9-13) Tracked leaders, mistake 4th, niggled along after 7th, outpaced 5 out, soon well beaten, last of 4, 27l behind Sire De Grugy (11-12) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs (2) sft in Feb.
Gentleman Jon 5-1 (10-9) Chased winner, hit 2nd, pushed along and lost 2nd before 3 out, chased leading pair but no chance, weakened into 4th between last 2, 4th of 5, 33l behind Art Mauresque (11-8) at Kempton 2m nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Mar.
Union Saint (FR) 100-1 (11-7) Held up, behind when pushed along and struggling on paddock bend after 4th, tailed off 5th, pulled up soon after, in a race won by Shammick Boy (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Lysino (GER) 13-2 (11-3) Jumped slowly 1st, held up in last pair, some headway approaching 9th, weakened approaching 4 out, in last pair when mistake 3 out, pulled up and dismounted before next, in a race won by Niceonefrankie (11-3) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-140 (3) sft in Nov, 8 ran.
