jumped left, tracked winner, hit 3rd, jumped slowly 10th, hit 4 out, soon ridden, eased when beaten flat
made all, mistake 5th, hit 3 out, slightly hampered by loose horse 2 out, ridden approaching last, ran on
held up, fell 5th
St Matthew can score again, with Parisian Storm and Personal Assurance out to make sure that it will not be plain sailing. At the age of six, St Matthew has the scope to turn into a useful long-distance stayer over fences, and indeed Sue Smith's gelding has already paid to follow this term. The son of Lear Fan had some decent form on the Flat a couple of years ago, and showed that he retains plenty of ability when making a winning start over fences at Worcester the time before last. He was put back over hurdles on a return to that track last time, and absolutely bolted up. However, he remains better treated over the bigger obstacles and it is hard to look elsewhere for the winner, despite the claims of his two main opponents. Parisian Storm was a useful pointer and it came as no surprise when he too made an impact at Worcester. His form does not match that of the selection though, while Personal Assurance, the mount of Tony McCoy, may need the outing after chasing home the useful First Ballot at Newton Abbot in June. All in all, this is best left to St Matthew.
