led, ridden and headed after 2 out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd run-in
prominent, led on bit after 2 out, soon clear, very easily
tracked leading pair, lost touch 10th, stayed on from 2 out, went 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
Nonrunner
This looks a match between, Fool On The Hill and Fontanesi and the vote is given to the last named. The selection had had problems with his jumping prior to winning in good style last time out when beating Unleash and receiving weight from his main opponent he will be hard to beat. Fool On The Hill rates the main danger on his latest third behind Locksmith in a group 3 contest. This looks easier and he will not be far away. Slooghy would have a chance on his best hurdles form but he is sure to improve for this his first run in 879 days. Windy Spirit needs to improve on all known form to score and for the winner we return to Fontanesi.
Fool On The Hill 5-1 (11-3) Chased winner, ridden and every chance 3 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Locksmith (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Apr.
Fontanesi (IRE) 11-8 (10-13) Held up, took closer order 8th, led 11th, drew clear 3 out, very easily, won at N Abbot 2m 5f beg chs (D) gf beating Unleash (11-0) by 7l, 6 ran.
Windy Spirit (IRE) 22-1 (11-2) Held up, not fluent 3rd, jumped right 6th and 7th, never nearer, 3rd of 11, 37l behind Ross Comm (10-7) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Jun.
Slooghy (FR) 7-4fav (11-6) In touch, headway 4 out, close 2nd when brought down 3 out in race won by Springfield Scally (11-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gs in Mar '03, 7 ran.
