tracked clear winner throughout, mistake 2nd and 7th, hit 4 out, no impression
made all, took keen hold and soon clear, hit 9th, unchallenged, won at a canter
always well in rear in 4th, never dangerous
tracked leaders in a poor 3rd throughout, no impression
SANCTUAIRE was a smart hurdler on his day and his defeat of Easter Meteor over fences at Taunton in January gave notice that he's going to be a useful sort over the larger obstacles as well. Barring accidents, he should follow up here though is likely to start at very restrictive odds. Gracchus may be the one for forecast backers as he's run well in both starts since joining Tony Carroll and still has some scope over fences, though Prince Buster wasn't disgraced behind Owen Glendower at Huntingdon. Join The Navy was well beaten on his fencing bow at Fontwell however.
Gracchus (USA) 12-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, every chance next, mistake 2 out, weakened flat, 7th of 13, 10l behind Tara Royal (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-140 (3) gs in Feb.
Sanctuaire (FR) 13-8fav (11-0) Took keen hold, made all, went clear when jumped left 2nd, went long and landed on top of 4 out, very easily, won at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (4) gs in Jan beating Easter Meteor (11-7) by 16l, 5 ran.
Join The Navy 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, went remote 4th 4 out, never dangerous, 4th of 6, 43l behind Sir Du Bearn (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f beg chase (4) hvy in Jan.
Prince Buster (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Held up in 5th, hit 8th, went 4th 4 out, closed after next, went 3rd last, stayed on without threatening, 3rd of 5, 6l behind Owen Glendower (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (3) gs in Feb.
