held up, not fluent 3rd, lost touch 7th, held off
led, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, left 3rd 3 out, no impression after
held up, headway 8th, led after 3 out, soon clear, ridden out
behind from 5th
held up, headway 9th, ridden and close 3rd when fell 3 out (water)
held up, fell 3rd
chased leader, went prominent 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten
held up, gradually lost touch from 8th
Fontanesi a decent hurdler, can make a winning start to his chase career, Nawamees and Mister Flint could be the main rivals. Martin Pipe's gelding a top rated 139 over hurdles, came down at Haydock over the smaller obstacles last time, but don't let that put you off because it was his first ever fall and he is normally a smart jumper. He will have been given extensive schooling after that mishap and he looks the class act here. Nawamees is also a top handicap hurdler and comes from a yard in good form. The market should indicate the chances of Gary Moore's seven-year-old. Mister Flint is also from a top yard and he was well supported on his chase debut where he unseated his rider. The experience will not be lost on him and he should be involved in the finish. Artane boys looks the pick of the others, but Fontanesi is expected to put in a clear round and should land the spoils.
Artane Boys 5-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 8th, ridden 3 out, weakened last, 5th of 7, 12l behind Jupon Vert (11-4) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft in Nov.
Mister Flint 7-2 (10-12) Jumped slightly left and unseated rider in race won by Chivite (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (D) gs in May, 11 ran.
Nawamees (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Mid-division until weakened 5th, 28th of 30, well behind Fontanesi (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
One Cornetto (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Mid-division, hampered 4th, soon ridden, stayed on from 2 out, 3rd of 14, 8l behind Norma Hill (11-3) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Apr.
Fontanesi (IRE) 20-1 (9-13) Held up when fell 4 out in race won by Coat of Honour (10-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in May, 11 ran.
Gin 'n' Fonic (IRE) 10-3 (10-6) Prominent, pushed along and 3 lengths down when fell 4 out in race won by Monty Be Quick (10-9) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn chs (F) gf in May, 7 ran.
Papillon de Iena (FR) 5-2 (10-12) Held up in touch, mistake 10th, weakened after 12th, 4th of 6, 43l behind Chivite (11-6) at N Abbot 2m 5f nov chs (D) gf.
Welsh Main 33-1 (11-0) Soon well behind, 4th of 6, 46l behind Tigers Lair (11-12) at Stratford 2m 4f nov chs (D) gd.
