contested lead, led 2nd where mistake, rejoined for lead 4th, headed after 7th, left in front briefly 10th, headed before 4 out, soon pushed and struggling, well beaten
midfield, closed on leading pair 9th, chased new leader after 4 out, left in front 3 out, pushed out
contested lead, 2nd jumping 2nd where mistake, rejoined leader 4th, led after 7th, fell 10th
in rear, pushed after 4 out and went 3rd, left 2nd 3 out where mistake, stayed on behind comfortable winner
midfield, briefly dropped to rear, left 3rd after jumping 10th, led 4 out, still travelled well approaching 3 out where fell
NonRunner
Court Royale never really threatened when third at Uttoxeter at the start of the month but has been dropped another 2lb. Demon D'Aunou is still 8lb higher than when successful at Cartmel in July while Shut The Box is having a first run over fences, though can race off his hurdles mark and was second on his reappearance. BATHIVA is having a first start for a new yard but was very impressive over track and trip in March. He’s been raised 10lb but it will be a surprise if there isn’t plenty more to come. Folly Gate is a full brother to winning chaser Diamant Bleu and a half-brother to numerous other winners. He’s had just the three career starts to date and Jane Williams has wasted no time putting him over the larger obstacles.
Demon D'Aunou (FR) 11-2 (11-12) In touch, headway 3 out, ridden next and no impression, 4th of 7, 7 3/4l behind Fairway Freddy (11-6) at Kempton 2m 2f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Court Royale (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Held up, headway to chase leaders 3 out, pushed along and no extra 2 out, 3rd of 7, 15l behind Destined To Shine (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Folly Gate (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Chased leader, hit 2nd, led soon after, pushed along on long run to 2 out, headed before 2 out, lost 2nd between last 2, weakened run-in, lost modest 3rd last strides, 4th of 12, 7 1/4l behind Butterwick Brook (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
Romanor 8-1 (11-7) Behind, mistake 7th, headway when mistake 10th, mistake 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, dist behind Top Man (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Theatre Mix 10-1 (10-3) Held up and behind, progress on inside 6th, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 15, 33 1/4l behind Caswell Bay (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Bathiva (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, good headway on inside tracking leaders 9th, close 3rd 4 out, 2nd going well before next, led 2 out, soon clear, dived and hit last, stayed on well, eased final 100 yards, won at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Desque De L'Isle (11-5) by 9l, 8 ran.
Shut The Box (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, went 2nd from last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 15l behind Vorashann (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
