chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, ridden out
led, headed 7th, chasing leader when fell 4 out
tracked leader, keen, led approaching 7th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracking leaders, ridden halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
always in rear, never troubled leaders
held up, headway approaching 6th, kept on one pace from 2 out
held up, behind from 4 out, never on terms
in rear, mistakes, well behind when pulled up before 8th
mid-division, ridden and stayed on from 2 out, no impression on winner
The two to note in this novice chase are Role On and Striking Article with the vote going to the last named. The selection landed his second win of the season at Wetherby last month when getting the better of Linlithgow Lad in a two runner race. His form on the run up to that race had been consistent without being outstanding but connections have managed to once again place him well and with a clear round he is sure to be in the shake up once again. Role On won a novice chase over course and distance on his penultimate start but was no match for Chief Dan George at Kelso thereafter. He does have a preference for a softer surface so any over night rain will be welcome to enhance his chances. Of the others Naturally Inspired has the best chance of a place having run well on a number of occasions during the season , however for the winner we return to Striking Article.
Role On (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Towards rear, tracked leaders 8th, chased leaders from 2 out, ridden approaching last, no extra, 4th of 9, 18l behind Chief Dan George (11-3) at Kelso 2m 6f nov stks (2) gd in Mar.
Striking Article (IRE) Evens2fav (11-4) Tracked leader and not fluent, led 5 out, clear when mistake last, easily, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov stks (3) gd in Mar beating Linlithgow Lad (10-9) by 9l, 2 ran.
Desert Maze (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Raced keenly, held up mid-division, weakened 3f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Presque Perdre (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Ebac (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Finbin (10-13) at Newcastle 3m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Mar, 15 ran.
Fortune's Fool 200-1 (10-5) Mid-division, ridden halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Ingratitude (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m beg chase (4) gf, 12 ran.
Moyne Pleasure (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Held up, effort and in touch 3 out, no extra from next, 6th of 8, 10l behind Norminster (11-7) at Carlisle 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar.
Overlaw 250-1 (10-7) In rear, ridden halfway, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Ingratitude (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m beg chase (4) gf, 12 ran.
Regal Confusion Mr Confusion gelding out of Isis Vii.
Naturally Inspired (FR) 18-1 (10-3) Held up, left modest 3rd 10th, no impression, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Stagecoach Amber (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
