held up in rear, steady headway from 10th, ridden 3 out, one pace from next
chased winner until blundered and unseated rider 7th
in touch, went 2nd 14th, ridden after 3 out, soon one pace
made all, clear approaching 2 out, comfortably
in rear, slow jump 4th, behind when blundered 12th, tailed off
in touch, left 2nd 7th, ridden approaching 14th, weakened and eased after 3 out, virtually pulled up, continued, tailed off
prominent until lost place 9th, weakened and soon tailed off from 12th
Not the strongest Hunter Chase to be run here, and with the enigmatic Sursum Corda yet to convince over this trip, it may not take a great deal of winning. A chance is taken with Bit O'Speed, who isn't well named. Lightly raced under rules in recent years, this ex-Irish chaser was runner-up in this event back in 2000 on similar ground and although he is getting no younger, this isn't a strong race. The one to take advantage if the selection fails to deliver could be Ourman, who will certainly find this easier than when chasing the likes of Son Of Anshan around Sedgefield. Formerly a useful chaser, Gatorade is still capable of fair form and will be all the better for his recent spin around Ludlow.
