led, headed before 6th, not fluent and outpaced 4 out, weakened after next
soon behind, tailed off from 5th
chased leaders, challenged 8th, soon led, headed after hitting 4 out, led again going well before 2 out, clear approaching last, very easily
tracked leader, led before 6th, jumped right and not fluent 8th, soon headed, led again after 4 out, headed before 2 out, no impression on winner, weakened last
TOP NOTCH is a cut above these and that will be reflected in his starting price. Nicky Henderson’s smart hurdler made a promising start over fences when a close-up third at Uttoxeter behind higher rated horses than these and can open his chasing account. Pemba looks best of the opposition as she goes chasing for the first time and should have the measure of Deadly Approach on these terms judged on their respective marks over hurdles. Porters Lane has had seven starts over fences but failed to complete on the last three occasions.
Deadly Approach 13-2 (10-13) Led, headed approaching 2 out, no chance with winner, lost 2nd last, one pace, 3rd of 11, 15 1/4l behind Dispour (11-7) at Warwick 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Porters Lane 200-1 (11-1) Unseated rider before start, always behind, soon struggling, pulled up before 3rd, at Towcester 2m (3) gd in Nov.
Top Notch (FR) 5-2 (11-2) In touch, went 2nd from 3 out, every chance 2 out, ridden before last, no extra and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Charbel (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m (3) gd in Oct.
Pemba (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Held up, towards rear, headway before 2 out, soon chasing leaders, weakened before last, 5th of 7, 25l behind Zara Hope (10-10) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
