took keen hold, stumbled 1st, always last, never remotely involved, well outpaced 4 out, stumbled 2 out
jumped well, made all and soon clear, steadied approaching 4th, drew clear again 6th, unchallenged and most impressive chase debut
tracked leadng pair, went 2nd 3rd until 6th, went 2nd again 8th until 3 out, stayed disputing 2nd until no extra last, kept on same pace and never any chance with inmpressive winner
chased clear winner until 3rd, went 2nd again 6th until mistake 8th, went 2nd again 3 out, never any chance with impressive winner
After a couple of false starts, Donald McCain finally takes the plunge over fences here with the classy OVERTURN. Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up will surely take all the beating if taking to the larger obstacles even though Polisky and Thanks For Coming have the edge in experience. The latter pair would probably prefer a stiffer test of stamina, however, and wouldn't have lived with the selection over timber. Fabulous Fred's best form over hurdles was also over longer distances and he's pitched in at the deep end on his chasing bow.
Fabulous Fred (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Hit 4th, always behind, tailed off after 3 out, 10th of 13, well behind Shuil Royale (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Jan.
Overturn (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Led, pushed along and joined 2 out, soon headed, kept on under pressure flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Rock On Ruby (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m hdl G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Polisky (FR) 11-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, not much room 1st, ridden after 3 out, one pace, no extra flat, 4th of 11, 11l behind Sire De Grugy (11-2) at Kempton 2m beg chs (4) gd in Oct.
Thanks For Coming 5-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, hampered 6th, headway 3 out, ridden to lead between last 2, soon hard pressed, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Creekside (10-7) at Towcester 2m beg chs (4) gf in Oct.
