made all, driven approaching 2 out, ridden last, stayed on well flat
towards rear, mistake and reminders 5th, mistake 9th, never dangerous
mid-division, blundered 10th, outpaced next, never on terms
mid-division, headway 9th, ridden to chase leaders approaching 2 out, kept on under pressure flat
took keen hold in rear, headway at 10th, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace under pressure flat
chased leaders, mistakes 7th and 8th, soon lost place, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
behind, close up 4th, lost place 9th, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off
Mindanao is the pick over Simlet, Seasquill and Lady Bob Back in this novice chase. Simlet has run five times over fences so far and seems to be getting the hang of it. He finished a good second to Benefit at Hexham last time out over an extended three miles and steps down in trip today. This trip ought to suit as he ran out of puff that day and has to be respected. Len Lungo's winning hurdler Mindanao has only had the one run over the bigger obstacles when finishing a respectable third and may well have been closer but for a mistake four out that hindered his chances. Seasquill is far more exposed over fences and has put up some decent efforts in defeat over trips varying from two miles to three miles. We have a feeling the horse does not know what trip he wants let alone his connections, and may only be placed again. Lady Bob Back had some early jumping problems but has seemed to put those behind her. Having said that she only has place chances here on the evidence of her recent form. With Len Lungo's horses on fire at present we take Mindanao to finish in front of Simlet.
