held up, headway 8th, ridden 3 out, weakened last
held up, jumped left 3rd, headway approaching 6th, led 7th, clear from 3 out, ran on well
tracked leaders, pushed along from 6th, weakened 8th, tailed off
led, headed 6th, soon pushed along, ridden and one pace from 3 out
held up, hampered 3rd, last when fell 4 out
held up in touch, effort 8th, one pace when mistake 3 out, no further progress
with leader, led 6th to 7th, ridden after 3 out, soon no impression on winner
Not the most competitive handicap chase and Jupon Vert looks capable of defying a penalty, with Gus Des Bois and Artane Boys given the nod to chase him home. Jupon Vert took full advantage of a drop in the weights by the handicapper when a 12 length winner over 2m 3f at Hereford last time. Ground conditions will suit, the drop back in trip should not be a problem, and he can go in again. Gus Des Bois is another dropping in the handicap, but he comes here off the same mark as when beaten by Walcot Lad at Fontwell last time, and with that one having been well beaten at Fakenham on Sunday the form is questionable. He looks very much a one-pacer and more disappointment awaits. Artane Boys has to give weight away, but handles trip and ground well and has been going well enough off similar marks. However, his yard are still not right at present so he is overlooked and we take Jupon Vert to come home in front.
