led, pecked 2nd, headed 3rd, reminders approaching 12th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon beaten
with leaders, jumped right, led 3rd, pushed clear approaching 2 out, eased flat
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Olney Lad is a confident selection in the Novices' Chase over Beauchamp Prince and Its Wallace Jnr. Olney Lad was travelling sweetly when tipping up at Newcastle in February. If he has not been badly affected by that fall - and can duplicate anything resembling his Wetherby form from January - then he is the one they all have to beat. He and the second horse pulled well clear of the rest of the field that day and this, on paper, looks an easier engagement. Beauchamp Prince was an easy winner last time out but the form of that race looks suspect. Its Wallace Jnr was third behind Festival winner Reveillez last time out but he is nowhere near that class and a place is maybe the best that he can hope for today. Once again, then, Olney Lad should win this race without too much trouble.
Special Conquest 9-1 (11-6) Led, headed 2nd, remained prominent, slow 4th, ridden and weakened 4 out, 7th of 10, well behind Nykel (10-5) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Its Wallace Jnr 8-1 (11-2) Chased clear leader, closed up 8th, lost 2nd 3 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Reveillez (11-2) at Folkestone 2m 5f beg chs (4) gs in Feb.
Dante's Promise (IRE) 25-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, led after 6th to 7th, weakening when mistake 2 out, 7th of 13, 48l behind Adventurist (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gf in Feb.
Olney Lad 7-4 (11-9) Led, headed 4 out, close 2nd and driven when fell 3 out in race won by King Killone (11-12) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (2) hvy in Feb, 5 ran.
Beauchamp Prince (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Always in touch, mistake 2nd, led 4 out, soon clear, unchallenged, won at Chepstow 3m beg chs (4) hvy beating Royal Scandal (11-1) by 14l, 6 ran.
