tracked winner, led 4 out next, soon outpaced, no impression and jumped left from 2 out, lost 2nd near finish
jumped left, led, headed 4 out, led again next, clear when jumped badly left, last 2, eased near finish, easily
tracking leading pair when ran out bend after 7th
behind, struggling 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, left 3rd, bend after 7th, outpaced next, ridden and kept on from 2 out, took 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
in rear, outpaced 9th, never dangerous
MISTER GLOSS is our pick with Franc Villez the logical alternative. The winner of two novice chases so far, Mister Gloss hasn't done anything wrong in the process until reaching the last fence where he has promptly blundered his way through on both occasions. He is capable of acting upon any going and sets a tough standard for this time of year. Franc Villez has come up against a couple of useful sorts during his chasing career so far. The step up from two miles will probably help rather than hinder his chances. Crescent Island looked a dour staying type over hurdles. His yard ordinarily do well at this meeting so he has to be respected on chasing debut. Omix D'Or didn't cover himself in glory with his fencing at Cartmel. The others look impossible to fancy. Mister Gloss gets the vote.
Franc Villez (FR) 5-2 (11-8) Jumped left, hard pressed 2 out, soon headed, ridden and hung right when no extra flat, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Premier Dane (11-7) at Perth 2m nov chs (4) gd in Jul.
Mister Gloss (IRE) Evensfav (11-4) Tracked leader, ridden approaching 4 out, led 3 out, blundered last, driven out, won at Exeter 2m 7f nov chs (4) gf in May beating Ocean du Moulin (11-4) by 3l, 5 ran.
Crescent Island (IRE) 11-8fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, led and not fluent 4 out, ridden clear from 2 out, ran on strongly, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr beating Evelith Echo (11-6) by 15l, 14 ran.
King's Envoy (USA) 40-1 (9-9) Behind, headway, in touch 4 out, effort next, soon ridden, one pace, 4th of 11, 16l behind Valerius (11-8) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Jul.
Omix D'or (FR) 5-1 (10-11) Chased leader, blundered badly 4th, hit 9th, stumbled 4 out, led 2 out, hard ridden flat, headed near finish, 3rd of 7, 3/4l behind Hello It's Me (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 5f beg chs (4) gd in May.
Seek The Truth (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 11th of 12, well behind I'm Your Man (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
