led, blundered 2 out, headed narrowly when fell last
tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent 14th, chased leader 4 out, challenging when not fluent 2 out, led narrowly when left clear last
tracked leader until 4 out, weakened after next, pulled up before last
in rear, went 3rd approaching 3 out and ridden, held when hit 2 out, left poor 2nd last
Only four runners go to post for this novices' chase and we will nominate VALERIUS to get the better of Marufo. Trainer Gordon Elliott is in good form at present and Valerius can provide him with another winner. Valerius was an easy winner at Perth at the start of this month and he is relatively unexposed in this sphere. He clearly has a real appetite for this game and his trainer looks to have found him a good opportunity to back-up his recent success. Marufo looks his chief rival as he is a course and distance winner and the return to this slightly longer trip should suit after a decent effort at Perth last time. Winsley Hill has shown his best form over hurdles, while Stormy Bay looks to have a little to find with the others. Valerius should prove hard to beat and he gets the vote.
Marufo (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Held up, chased leaders 11th, chased winner approaching 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 13, 8l behind Crozan (11-0) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf.
Valerius (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, clear between last 2, won at Perth 3m nov stks (4) gf beating Aggie's Lad (11-10) by 9l, 8 ran.
Stormy Bay (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, went 2nd 13th, effort 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Ripalong Lad (11-0) at Southwell 3m 2f mdn chs (4) gd.
Winsley Hill 7-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, hit 5th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, chased leaders next, no impression, 4th of 9, 13l behind Chorizo (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf.
