held up, mistakes 3rd and 4th, blundered 8th and 13th, ridden to chase leaders after 4 out, weakened approaching next
held up in touch, mistake 2nd, outpaced when hit 4 out, soon weakened
track leader, led 5th, headed 2out, soon ridden, hit last, rallied and edge left flat, just held
held up in rear, lost touch halfway, tailed off from 5 out
in touch, tracked leader 6th, led 2 out, ridden and hit last, edged right under pressure flat, just held on
led to 5th, soon lost place, tailed off from 5 out
Jazz d'Estruval finally has his ground and can outgun My Will, with Joaaci and Tribal Venture up against it. To say that Nicky Richards has adopted a patient policy with Jazz d'Estruval is something of an understatement, as the stable's top chaser has bypassed tempting engagements at Cheltenham and Aintree due to the ground. This mudlark was considered for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase but gave that a swerve, and even Aintree was not testing enough. However, he has been ready to run for sometime, and connections are keen to unleash him here where both the trip and ground are conducive to his chances. He was surprisingly beaten in what was a match when last seen at Market Rasen in March, but that is seen as merely a blip, and it will be a disappointment if he cannot see off the challenge of My Will who in contrast has been a lot busier. He was fifth in the Arkle, and although he appeared to have no problem staying when narrowly beaten by Locksmith at Ayr last week, it is debatable whether this trip will suit. Ruby Walsh will have to nurse him round to get the trip, and he looks booked for second place only on the evidence so far. Joacci has done nothing wrong since coming over from Ireland but has a bit to find along with Tribal Venture who to be fair, was running a decent race until falling behind Trabolgan at the Cheltenham Festival. The fact remains that on this ground, Jazz d'Estruval will always prove hard to beat, and this future top staying chaser must be followed.
Jazz d'Estruval (FR) 1-8fav Tracked leader, led 3rd, hit 5th, blundered and unseated rider 7th, 2 fences behind when remounted for leisurely 2nd, last of 2, well behind Ravenscar at Market Rasen 3m 1f nov chs (C) sft in Mar.
Tribal Venture (FR) 10-1 Tracking leaders when fell at the 12th in race won by Trabolgan at Cheltenham 3m nov chs Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar, 9 ran.
Joaaci (IRE) 6-4fav Held up in rear, hit 6th, headway to join leader 13th, led 16th, clear from 4 out, comfortably, won at Ayr 3m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd beating Catch The Perk by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Leopard Spot (IRE) 11-2 Chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, soon ridden and outpaced, 4th of 9, 23l behind Toulon Rouge at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (D) gd in Feb.
My Will (FR) 10-11fav Chased leaders, hit 6 out, mistake 10th, ridden approaching 4 out, challenged when hit 2 out, every chance flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Locksmith at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd.
Missoudun (FR) 25-1 Not fluent, always in rear, tailed off, 5th of 11, well behind Winter Garden at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (E) gs.
