tracked leaders, went 2nd at 5th, led 8th, hit 3 out, pushed along soon after, joined next, ridden and headed before the last, stayed on same pace run-in, no chance with impressive winner
lost place and behind after 2nd, plugged on in remote 4th from 4 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th until next, chased leaders, lost place and behind 8th, never on terms after, tailed off
bit keen, pressed winner, led narrowly 4th, headed 8th, chased leader, pushed along and lost 2nd before 3 out, no extra in 3rd
sweating, led, narrowly headed when dived at 4th and lost momentum, given time to recover and rallied out wide going well in 3rd before 4 out out, 2nd before next, led before the last, stayed on well run-in
Captain Guinness probably exceeded expectations when runner-up to Energumene in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham but did finish well ahead of Greaneteen, winner of this in the last two years, and Editeur Du Gite with Funambule Sivola an early faller. But the UK’s leading novice JONBON should take this in his stride if fully recovered from a relatively straightforward victory in the Grade 1 Maghull at Aintree two weeks ago. He’d probably come up against something special when second in the Arkle previously.
Captain Guinness (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Raced keenly, in touch on inside, went 2nd after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, no impression last, well held flat, kept on, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Energumene (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Mar.
Editeur Du Gite (FR) 13-2 (11-10) Made most until 3 out, hampered final bend, 3rd and no extra 2 out, weakened last, lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 7, 34 3/4l behind Energumene (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Mar.
Funambule Sivola (FR) 50-1 (11-10) In touch on outside, fell 3rd, at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Mar.
Greaneteen (FR) 25-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, bad mistake and lost place 4 out, well beaten 3 out, mistake last, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 34l behind Energumene (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Mar.
Jonbon (FR) 2-11fav (11-7) Jumped well, chased leader, challenged 7th, led 4 out, shaken up and quickened clear before last, easily, won at Aintree 2m (1) gs in Apr beating Marvel De Cerisy (11-7) by dist, 4 ran.
