tracked leader, slow jump 6th, ridden to challenge 3 out, led 2 out, idled flat, ridden out
led, hit 2nd after 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on, always held
tracked leaders, niggled along after 9th, close 3rd, ridden when fell 3 out
Nippy Des Mottes can land this novice chase with Copper Bay being his main danger. The selection was rated one hundred and thirty over hurdles and although beaten in his three chase runs to date he has come up against some smart individuals which could class him as being unlucky. This looks much easier and if jumping he wins. His main rival Copper Bay was rated nowhere nearly as high over hurdles but has more experience over the larger obstacles which will be in his favour. He is the winner of his last two chases and in the whole has jumped well but he will find this tougher and is is favoured to finish second best to his market rival. Sunley Shines will just add up the numbers and if putting in a clear round will pick up some place prize money. Even though he has won his races and looks the type to win more in time his form figures are not in the same league as the other pair. So for the winner we return to Nippy Des Mottes.
Nippy Des Mottes (FR) 13-8 (11-5) Chased winner throughout, hit last, no impression, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Bureaucrat (10-7) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Sunley Shines 12-1 (10-4) Led to 3 out, soon ridden, well held in 2nd when pecked last, 2nd of 9, 15l behind Dictum (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec.
Copper Bay (IRE) 13-8fav (11-2) In touch, led 2 out, clear last, ridden out, won at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Dec beating Desert Secrets (11-1) by 9l, 8 ran.
