tracked leaders, 2nd from 8th, not fluent next, no impression on winner 4 out, slow next, lost 2nd 2 out, pulled up before last
took keen hold in last pair, not fluent 12th or when behind 14th, went 2nd from 2 out, no chance with winner
with winner until 1st, stayed 2nd, not fluent 8th, 3rd from next, pushed along after 13th, not fluent 14th, no impression, mistake when well held 3rd 4 out
made all, clear from 14th, hit 2 out, not fluent last, eased towards finish
not always fluent in last pair, behind 12th, tailed off 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, went never dangerous 3rd flat
This is a cracking novice chase for the time of year as most of these should enjoy plenty of success over fences this winter. Art Of Payroll beat Monday’s Perth winner Hammserly Lake on his first start for Harry Fry but has a double penalty to contend with. Exxaro keeps finding one too good and is a bit more exposed than his rivals while Call To Order makes his chasing debut after a break, though did win a Class 2 handicap over hurdles at Cheltenham last season. The mare DEBDEBDEB made a winning start over fences at Hexham. She jumped well in the main and stays this trip so gets the nod.
Art Of Payroll (GER) 7-4fav (10-12) Mid-division, pecked 4th, tracked leaders 9th, led 4 out, went right next, ridden between last, kept on when hard pressed flat, just held on, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Aug beating Hammersly Lake (11-8) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Call To Order 3-1fav (11-3) Tracked leaders in 4th, ridden before 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 5th of 10, 14 1/4l behind Dadsintrouble (11-5) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (2) gs in Feb.
Exxaro (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Chased winner, ridden 3 out, not fluent 2 out, no impression, kept on, 2nd of 3, 1 1/2l behind Alcala (11-8) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f (3) gd in Aug.
Debdebdeb 1-2fav (10-5) Made all, ridden after last, kept on well run-in, won at Hexham 2m 4f (4) gd in May beating Princess Tara (10-5) by 7l, 6 ran.
Kayla 6-1 (11-12) Prominent early, mid-division on outside, lost place 8th, behind 4 out, no danger after, 6th of 8, 20 1/4l behind Mighty Leader (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Aug.