led until 9th, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, took keen hold, challenged 9th, ridden after 2 out, 1 lenght down last, no extra
chased leaders, ridden after 10th, weakened next, went modest 3rd 3 out
pressed leader, led 9th, ridden and hung left approaching last, hung left and drew clear flat
held up in last, took keen hold, weakened 11th, pulled up before last
THE SHOE gets the nod here ahead of Vasodilator and Adrianeo. Nicky Henderson's Montjeu gelding is bred to win a Derby not a Beginners' Chase at Uttoxeter however he showed plenty of ability over hurdles and if translating that to fences he should take some beating with runners from this yard always respected, especially when partnered by Tony McCoy. Vasodilator has a first run for Pat Murphy today and he shaped with promise on a couple of occasions, Overquest was a no-show at Cartmel on his UK debut but this former Irish point-to-point winner should relish this longer trip, whilst I Need A Hero is another recruit from between the flags in Ireland and he too is another who should relish the stiffer examination of stamina today. Adrianeo never looked like featuring on a jaunt to Perth earlier in the month but the rain that has fallen may see him in a better light and he is not discounted too readily. No penalty kick then but we'll side with antipodean recruit The Shoe.
Adrianeo (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Chased leading pair throughout, lost touch and struggling 8th, soon tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Billie Magern (11-3) at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (3) gf.
I Need A Hero (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, took closer order 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression on winner when lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Nintytwo Team (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chase (4) gd in Jun.
Overquest 25-1 (11-9) Not fluent, in rear, well behind before 7th, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Stagecoach Pearl (11-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f beg chs (4) gd.
The Shoe (NZ) 9-2fav (10-7) Towards rear, headway to go mid-division approaching 4th, ridden after 4 out, soon outpaced, 8th of 10, 19l behind How's Business (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gd in May '09.
Vasodilator (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Led, headed after 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, well behind Lady An Co (10-4) at Taunton 2m beg chase (4) gf in Mar.
Dougall (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Last, lost touch 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th, in a race won by The Ferbane Man (11-5) at Southwell 3m nov chs (4) gf, 6 ran.
