led, soon clear, blundered and unseated rider 5th
not jump well, held up in last, left 3rd 5th, disputed moderate 2nd from 2 out until towards finish
chased clear leader, left in lead 5th, headed 7th, hit 10th, no chance with winner from 3 out, blundered and rider lost irons last, won battle for 2nd towards finish
held up in 3rd, left disputing lead 5th, led 7th, drew clear 3 out easily
A small field will contest this, and the one with the most appeal is R DE RIEN SIVOLA, the only runner on the card for Paul Nicholls, who'll have more of an interest this week in Galway. A safe passage round may be all that's needed if stripping fit following a six month lay-off. She gains at least a stone on all her rivals, and if taking to the bigger fences on this her chase debut, may be too classy for her rivals. Sky Calling is another debutante over the bigger obstacles, and Martin Keighley's had some decent winners this season. Expect her to try and dictate matters. Western Gale is having his first run in the UK and for his yard after coming over from Ireland where he's had a modicum of success. Oscar Royal has far too many Ps and Us in its form to be considered a serious contender, while Sea Cliff is far from a star in Jonjo O'Neill's yard, and finished fourth of five on chase debut. There are negatives about all of them, but fewer about the selection, R De Rien Sivola.
Oscar Royal (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, chased leaders in 3rd until outpaced approaching 2 out, 4th of 9, 21l behind Mhilu (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f beg chase (4) gd.
Sea Cliff (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) 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, 4th of 5, 35l behind Armenian Boy (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f beg chase (4) gs.
Western Gale (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, never a factor, 13th of 18, 17l behind Mystical Breeze (9-9) at Naas 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 sft in Mar.
R De Rien Sivola (FR) 2-1 (11-7) Held up, ridden, some progress after 3 out, not pace to get on terms, weakened last, 4th of 6, 31l behind Ski Sunday (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Feb.
Sky Calling 16-1 (11-7) Led, jumped right 6th and 7th, headed 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Dirar (10-11) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
