chased leader, challenged 4 out, ridden to lead 3 out, kept on well from next
led, ridden after 4 out, headed approaching next, kept on, no chance with winner approaching last
chased leaders, pushed along and reminders approaching 9th, outpaced from next, never dangerous
chased leaders, hit 12th, lost place next
held up in touch, ridden to go 3rd 4 out, soon outpaced, hit 3 out, one pace, no impression from next
always behind, reminders approaching 2nd, lost place 9th, tailed off from next, pulled up after 12th
This race lacks strength in depth but it allows Eva So Charming a good chance to make a winning chasing debut, principally at the expense of Homeleigh Mooncoin. The Henrietta Knight-trained gelding did quite well over hurdles, winning once, but always seemed destined to do better over fences. Sure to have been well-schooled for his debut, he can land what is not a strong race overall. Glacial River's second to Orswell Crest at Aintree in November 2002 reads very well, but he has had his problems since, while Sharp Belline won here over three miles over hurdles and has suggested some ability over the larger obstacles. Homeleigh Mooncoin is a triple winner over hurdles here and could be interesting on his chasing debut, having achieved a rating of 128 over hurdles and Test Of Friendship showed improved form on his chasing debut last time but needs to improve again to score here. Overall, , then, we are happy to stick with Eva So Charming.