chased leader, led 6th, left clear 4 out easily
tracked leading pair, went close 2nd when fell 4 out
led to 6th, soon driven along, relegated to 3rd when slightly hampered and left 2nd 4 out, soon weakened
in rear, ridden 8th, left 3rd 4 out, went moderate 2nd approached 2 out, no chance with winner
jumped slowly at several fences, behind, blundered 7th, weakened 9th, tailed off
Wiscalitus has leading claims and can account for Harry Potter, with Fortune Point best of the remainder. Wiscalitus had basically become disappointing over timber, but there was a lot to like about his success over fences at Hereford where he showed renewed enthusiasm. He lost nothing in defeat at the hooves of Yes Sir over the course-and-distance 18 days ago, and with conditions in his favour again, can get back to winning ways under Sam Thomas. Harry Potter was having only his second race in three months when trotting up at Worcester recently, and has more experience than the selection over the bigger obstacles. In addition he has the beating of Wiscalitus on a line through Alrafid who was well beaten off at Worcester. However, we reckon that the Venetia Williams inmate has found a new lease of life and can fine the necessary improvement to follow up, with the only other worthy rival being Fortune Point who is fit from a winning spell on the Flat. Wiscalitus has the scope to progress though and is the pick.
Harry Potter (GER) 11-2 (10-9) In touch, tracked leader 6th, led 3 out, clear last, easily, won at Worcester 2m beg chs (4) gd beating General Alarm (10-7) by 15l, 10 ran.
Wiscalitus (GER) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leading pair, jumped left 7th, chased winner 8th, ridden after 3 out, one pace and no impression from next, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Yes Sir (11-8) at Stratford 2m 1f nov chs (3) gd.
Fortune Point (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden 8th, left 2nd 4 out, weakened last, 3rd of 13, 17l behind Rapide Plaisir (11-0) at Ludlow 2m nov chs (3) gf in Apr.
Resplendent Star (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Hit 3rd, ridden 7th, weakened 9th, blundered 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Briscoe Place (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Jun, 9 ran.
Precious Lucy (FR) 12-1 (11-1) Jumped slowly 1st, always behind, 8th of 12, 26l behind Stoneyford Ben (11-6) at Stratford 2m amt hcp hdl (4) gf.
Silvo (NZ) 10-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, always prominent, ridden after 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Stoneyford Ben (11-6) at Stratford 2m amt hcp hdl (4) gf.
