led, headed 13th, blundered next, soon ridden, blundered 2 out, soon weakened
towards rear when fell 1st
tracked leaders, led 13th, clear 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, eased flat
in mid-division when fell 5th
in touch, ridden when blundered 4 out, kept on and no impression over 2 out
chased leader, hit 7th, pushed along and lost place halfway, blundered 13th, stayed on from 2 out, took 3rd close home
A decent novices' chase here in which Zaffaranni can confirm the promise he showed in beating Paxford Jack by 13 lengths on his Newbury chasing debut and win again. There was plenty to like about the way he travelled that day, and if he eradicate the couple of jumping blunders he made there then he can certainly score. None of the remainder are without a chance though. Reverse Charge was decent over hurdles and has only had a couple of novices' chases under his belt towards the end of last season. He acts on the course and looks like one to go well now he is back over fences after a pipe-opener at Kelso recently. King's Bounty is also interesting. Consistent over hurdles, the form of his run behind Man Murphy at Newcastle on his chasing debut has been upheld by the winner again since, and over a much more suitable trip he should improve considerably for the experience. Kemal's Council is another interesting contender on his chasing debut. His second over hurdles to Whitenzo earlier in the year was pretty good form. He is sure to have been well schooled and should go well, though may just find that those with experience have the edge here. Granite Steps is another interesting debutante and he will again have had a decent prep at home. The six-year-old is closely matched with King's Bounty on their hurdles running at Newcastle in February and should be thereabouts.
