disputed 2nd until ridden and outpaced approaching 4 out, no impression from next
jumped left, hard pressed 2 out, soon headed, ridden and hung right when no extra flat
tracked leader, challenged when bumped 2 out, soon led, ridden and stayed on well flat
held up, struggling 5th, never near leaders
behind, struggling 5th, never dangerous
Premiere Dane could be the class act in this competitive Novice Chase and is taken to win again at the expense of Commemoration Day and Franc Villez. The selection was a winner over course and distance last time out and looks like an improving individual. He was rated 139 over hurdles and although it took him till his third attempt to win over the larger obstacles he has gained confidence so is worth staying on the right side of. Commemoration Day took a while to win over fences but gained back to back victories at Towcester and Stratford lately. This does though look like his stiffest task to date and with a double penalty to carry he does look a little vulnerable. Franc Villez is declared to run on the Tuesday evening at Perth and looks to have a solid claim in the race. Whether or not connections do run him again quickly remains to be seen, but his form has been rock solid so is respected. But for the winner we return to Premiere Dane.
Commemoration Day (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Held up in touch,blundered 3 out, challenged after 2 out, led approaching last, soon clear, won at Stratford 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd beating Dusty Dane (10-5) by 5l, 8 ran.
Franc Villez (FR) 4-6fav (11-4) Mid-division and mistakes early, move headway to track leader 6th, led 11th, ridden from last and eased near finish, won at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd beating Thunder Hawk (11-4) by 5l, 8 ran.
Premier Dane (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) In touch, headway 4 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure to challenge approaching last, driven and led flat, all out, won at Perth 2m nov chs (4) gf beating Ellerslie Tom (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Earl Sigurd (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) In touch, outpaced from last, 4th of 8, 9l behind Za Beau (10-13) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd.
The Ginger Man (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, beaten from next, 8th of 16, 34l behind Mizen Raven (10-12) at Perth 2m nov hdl (4) gd.
