raced in 2nd, mistake 1st, not fluent 4th, pressed leader 10th, led before 2 out, headed approaching last, good jump to lead again last, kept on well flat
led, headed and weakened quickly before 2 out where fell
held up in third, niggled along 7th, pushed along after 10th, blundered 11th, rallied to challenge approaching 2 out, led before last, outjumped and headed last, no extra flat
NonRunner
Francky Du Berlais is 0-6 over fences but went close at Stratford last time after winning over hurdles at Newton Abbot, though is 5lb higher. SMITH’S BAY is making his debut over the larger obstacles and has been lightly raced. He did win over hurdles and has form on soft ground so might be the one to be on as the going may be too testing for Black Kalanisi. Elisezmoi has some improving to do.
Black Kalanisi (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, not fluent 9th, stayed on before omitted last, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 7 1/4l behind Happygolucky (11-4) at Stratford 2m 5f (4) gs in Oct.
Smith's Bay 8-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway before 5th, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 12, dist behind Masters Legacy (11-10) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) sft in Jan.
Francky Du Berlais (FR) 7-4fav (11-9) Chased leaders, went 2nd final bend, closed bypassing omitted last, held towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Templehills (11-12) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Elisezmoi (FR) 4-1 (11-6) Held up, pulled hard, headway on inside to lead 3rd, headed 4 out, mistake next, weakened quickly, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
