tended to jump right, led hit 6th headed 13th not fluent 4 out no chance with winner from next finished tired
took keen hold early, track leader on inner, led 13th, made rest, in no danger from 3 out, kept on after
chased leaders, never travelling from 4th and soon driven along, weakened before 4 out
tracked leader to 13th, weakened before 4 out
In this small field, Ebony Jack is taken to get the better of Mayoun and Apple Joe. After winning well at Towcester two outings ago, Apple Joe was made favourite on a return visit to the track but could finish only third under a penalty. He still shoulders that penalty today and is set to come down seven pounds in future races so is best overlooked today. Mayoun chased home Kerstino Two at Ludlow before finishing fifth at Carlisle last time. This looks easier than the Carlisle contest and Mayoun, a handicap hurdle winner at Chepstow in January, is respected. Ebony Jack won at Fontwell earlier in the year and may just have need his re-appearance run, where he was prominent before fading. He was sent off favourite that day and can re-coup losses here. Ebony Jack gets the vote.
Ebony Jack (IRE) 11-10fav (10-12) Led until 5th, chased leader, disputed 12th until 4 out, one pace after, 3rd of 4, 26l behind Deferlant (11-7) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Mayoun (IRE) 10-3 (10-7) Mid-division, headway to track leaders approaching 4 out, kept on, 5th of 8, 17l behind Theatre Knight (11-12) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Apple Joe 13-8fav (9-12) In touch, led 6th to 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 11, 18l behind Tradingup (10-3) at Towcester 3m cnd hcp chs (5) hvy.
Fisherman Jack 16-1 (11-0) Led to 4th, remained close up until lost place approaching 3 out, 5th of 10, 47l behind Allaboveboard (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 7f cnd clm hdl (5) sft.
