with leader until after 7th, chased leading pair, ridden approaching 11th, no chance from next, lost 3rd when mistake 2 out
tracked leaders, led after 7th, in command from 4 out, comfortably
held up 4th, struggling 10th, went 3rd 2 out, never any chance
prominent, led 5th until after 7th, pressed winner until 4 out, kept on for clear 2nd, soon held
Disappointingly just the four runners line up for this beginners' chase and in reality it is little more than a match between Topless and LEADING CONTENDER, with the latter looking to be different class and getting the vote. The son of Supreme Leader has yet to translate hurdles form over fences since being sent over the larger obstacles by Philip Hobbs but the eight-year-old has still run well enough in both starts and a similar level of form here should see him open his account. Caspar of Tarsus has only been placed once from 10 starts and is easily discounted, while Irish point winner Lonesome Boatman has shown no sign of ability in five starts under rules. Topless is capable but is clearly not straightforward and a safer option looks to be Leading Contender, who can gain a deserved first success over fences.
Caspar of Tarsus (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Freeline Fury (11-4) at Chepstow 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs, 12 ran.
Leading Contender (IRE) 8-11fav (10-12) Held up, effort 7th, mistake 3 out and next, soon beaten, 3rd of 4, 20l behind Oscar Bay (11-8) at Stratford 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd.
Lonesome Boatman (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Mistake 6th, always behind, tailed off when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Sporting Rebel (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Jan '08, 15 ran.
Topless (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Mistake 15th, always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up 5 out in race won by Teeming Rain (11-1) at Exeter 3m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd, 14 ran.
