led, joined 4 out, headed after 2 out, rallying when not fluent last, no extra closing stages
chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2 out, staying on when fell last
tracked leader, jumped left in places, joined leader 4 out, led after 2 out, ran on well
NonRunner
A fascinating early-season novice event, despite the small field. GOLDEN BIRTHDAY needs to brush up his jumping over fences but was beaten less than a length at Uttoxeter against useful opposition and should have a future. El Terremoto is 2-2 here so respected but does have to give Harry Fry’s runner and decent hurdler Chelsea Flyer 6lb. Jaleo was made favourite for a competitive handicap at Southwell on Sunday but ran no sort of race. However, he’d beaten the selection’s Uttoxeter conqueror Monbeg Legend earlier at Worcester so could ask questions if fully recovered.
El Terremoto (FR) 5-4jfav (11-2) In touch, chased leaders halfway, led 2 out, strongly challenged last and throughout run in, just held on, won at Southwell 2m (4) gd in Jul beating Gustave Mahler (11-2) by shd, 8 ran.
Chelsea Flyer (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Keen in mid-division, headway to chase leaders 3rd, switched right to challenge approaching omitted last, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 6l behind Voodoo Doll (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (3) gf in Jul.
Golden Birthday (FR) 6-4fav (11-2) Held up, mistakes, closed before 7th, disputing lead when slow 3 out, every chance next, went left last, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Monbeg Legend (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f (3) sft in Jul.
Jaleo (GER) 7-2fav (11-11) In touch, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 8th of 11, 28 1/4l behind Voix D'Eau (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
