chased leaders, shaken up 5 out, lost ground and dropped to last before 4 out, well behind when pulled up before 3 out
prominent, joined leader approaching 4 out, shaken up before 3 out, made sustained challenge from 2 out, led soon after final fence, asserted run in, kept on well
led, soon headed and close up, pulled up before 4th
jumped left on occasions, close up early, hit 1st, soon led, joined before 4 out, faced sustained challenge from 2 out, headed soon after final fence, kept on until no extra final 110yds
didnt jump with fluency, raced in last, went third before 4 out but well behind leading pair, never a factor
NonRunner
Sebastopol easily beat Victorias Peak in a match at Chepstow last month and has now won three times over fences. But he carries a penalty in this and MCFABULOUS (NAP) is preferred. A Grade 2 and Grade 3 winner over hurdles, Paul Nicholls’ grey could be a smart recruit to the chasing ranks. The remaining trio all have some improving to do on their novice form to date if they are to trouble the likely market principals.
Sebastopol (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Chased leader, not fluent 4 out, pushed along and outpaced home turn, plugged on approaching last, stayed on well run-in, grabbed 2nd close home, 2nd of 5, 9 1/2l behind Sceau Royal (11-8) at Kempton 2m lst (1) gd in Oct.
Hang In There (IRE) 9-4 (11-10) Disputed lead until 2nd, chased leader until 7th, not fluent 10th, lost place after 4 out, behind 3 out, soon pulled up, at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
McFabulous (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Made all and jumped well, pushed along before 2 out, went clear between last two, reduced lead towards finish, unchallenged, won at Sandown 2m 5f (1) gd in Apr beating Indefatigable (11-3) by 1l, 4 ran.
Mortlach 4-6fav (11-9) Led, ridden and headed home turn when stumbled badly on bend, chased leader thereafter but never made any impression, 2nd of 3, 4l behind Minella Plus (11-5) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gf in Oct.
Uhtred (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway on outside before 3 out, pushed along when half jumped path final bend, immediately eased and pulled up, at Cheltenham 2m (2) gd in Oct.
Victorias Peak (IRE) 10-3 (10-12) Disputed lead, not fluent 3rd, hit 9th, shaken up and headed 5 out, ridden and blundered 3 out, soon no chance with winner, last of 2, 13l behind Sebastopol (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 3f lst (1) gf in Oct.
