tracked leaders, reminders after 10th, went 2nd next, led after 3 out, idling when drawing clear between last 2, stayed on well
pressed leader, led 9th, headed after 3 out, beaten 2 out
made most until 9th, mistake 11th, weakening when mistake 3 out
held up in last, not fluent 5th, bad mistake next, hit 7th, mistake and went 4th next, well in touch when hit and stumbled 4 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, jumped slowly 1st, on and off bridle, mistake and dropped last 8th, behind next, pulled up before 10th
Four out of the five runners in this Beginners Chase are given a chance with the vote landing with David Pipes ARMENIAN BOY marginally ahead of Baren De Doc and Cannon Fire. The pick has been expensive to follow since taking to chasing finding just one too good in both starts in this sphere. He was well held on both occasions but this looks a little easier and based on his hurdles form he should be capable of more. Baren De Doc is also struggling to score over fences having finished runner-up in his last four attempts. He only just missed out last time and while he does go well at this track he has stamina to prove for this trip. Cannon Fire is another near miss merchant over the bigger obstacles and will probably be in the minors again with his hurdles mark suggesting he has a bit to find and Sea Cliff should also be considered after showing promise in his first two fencing starts. Competitive stuff despite the poor turn out and Armenian Boy has the call.
Armenian Boy (FR) 5-4fav (11-0) Took keen hold, tracked leader, mistake 9th, led 10th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, stayed challenging under pressure until no extra last, 2nd of 9, 10l behind Mhilu (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f beg chase (4) gd.
Baren De Doc (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, blundered 7th, led approaching 4 out, under pressure next, headed last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Little Lu (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 4f beg chase (4) gf.
Cannon Fire (FR) 13-2 (11-0) Led, reminder after 1st, not fluent 9th, headed narrowly approaching 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon beaten, one pace, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Surenaga (11-0) at Stratford 2m 7f beg chase (4) gf in Jun.
Sea Cliff (IRE) 6-1 (10-8) Held up, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden, challenged for 2nd last, no extra towards finish, 4th of 8, 8l behind First Point (11-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jun.
Royal Tender (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Held up, hampered 4th, headway when left 2nd after 11th, lost place 13th, soon beaten, tailed off, 3rd of 11, 37l behind Ripalong Lad (11-0) at Southwell 3m 2f mdn chs (4) gd.