chased leaders, went 2nd at the 7th, led on bit 3 out, soon ridden, no extra when headed flat
chased winner until 7th, soon outpaced
jumped well, led at good pace, ridden after 4 out, headed next, rallied under pressure approaching last, led flat, driven out
Weakening when falling two out behind the impressive Persian Waters on his chase debut 10 days ago, Emanic is taken to make amends here against stablemate Le Jaguar and Made In France. All three of the runners were formerly trained across the English Channel but it is Emanic that has the best from of the trio. A winner of two non-thoroughbred races in France, the gelding won a novice hurdle on his British debut when with Alan King and, although failing to add to that tally in four subsequent outings, continued to show a respectable level of form. Now in the care of Paul Nicholls, the son of Video Rock was purely outclassed by an accomplished performance by a formerly top class hurdler on his first start over fences. The opposition here looks less exacting and Emanic can open his account over the larger obstacles. Like the selection, Le Jaguar is trained by Paul Nicholls and, while he has shown winning form over hurdles in France and ran encouragingly when chasing home stablemate My Will on his debut over fences, he may have to once more settle for a minor role here. Martin Pipe has wasted no time in putting Made In France over fences having won a couple of hurdles races this term and run with credit in defeat in handicaps in his last two starts. He has to be respected but lack of chasing experience is of concern and Emanic looks a safer option.
