led to 7th, stayed challenging, led 2 out, driven clear flat
soon pressing leader, led 7th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat
held up in 4th, not fluent 4th, went 3rd approaching 6th, soon no chance with front pair
jumped right, held up in 3rd, raced keenly, reminders approaching 5th, weakened next, pulled up before 7th
Only four runners go to post for this novices' chase and it is hard to get away from CHAPOTURGEON who is preferred to Songe. The selection fell when still travelling well on his chasing debut at Exeter earlier in the month. He was useful over hurdles and he shapes as though he will be even better over the bigger obstacles, so providing his confidence hasn't been dented by that tumble last time out then he can gain his compensation. Songe will probably be the one to profit if anything goes amiss with Chapoturgeon, but Charlie Longsdon's 4-year-old was well beaten in third place behind Free World at Sandown last time. This track should suit but if the favourite puts in a clear round of jumping it is hard to see him getting beat. Hope Road looks a no-hoper while Araldur won well last time at Chepstow but the handicapper has taken note. This looks a good opportunity for Chapoturgeon who should be a cut above his rivals today.
Araldur (FR) 11-4fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, led 6th, jumped slightly right from 5 out, clear 2 out, won at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs beating Money Point (11-12) by 22l, 10 ran.
Chapoturgeon (FR) 2-7fav (10-7) Led, travelling well enough and 2 lengths clear when fell 3 out in race won by I Hear A Symphony (11-1) at Exeter 2m 1f beg chs (3) hvy, 4 ran.
Hope Road 13-8fav (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, rallied close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Haar (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4yo mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Songe (FR) 9-2 (10-7) Keen, held up, headway after 8th, ridden to chase winner after 3 out until mistake last, no extra, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Free World (10-7) at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) gs.
