tracked leaders, reminders 16th, close up 5 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace under pressure
held up in rear, lost touch 6th, soon tailed off
led, slight mistake 3 out, ridden and headed before next, one paced approaching last
held up, headway to track leader 9th, outpaced 15th, rallied and effort 2 out, soon one paced
Eight runners go to post for this novice chase but not many can be given a serious chance of winning. Trooper, Paddy's Thyme and Shays Lane would all have place claims on there best form, but Dionn Righ is hard to oppose. The gelding from the Howard Johnson yard won over course and distance a couple of runs ago before being pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival. He is back in his popper grade here and he will be hard to beat. Trooper was a fair third behind Lord Capitaine last time but he needs to improve again to win this. Paddy's Thyme was a moderate second in a novice hurdle last time out and he will need to improve significantly for fences to win. Shays Lane has also shown a modicum of ability and he has definite place claims with conditions in his favour. The remainder need to improve on all known form to take a hand in the finish.
