tracked leaders, went 2nd 14th, pushed along 4 out, weakened to 4th approaching 3 out where left poor 3rd
led until 11th, led again 13th, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on as winner idled flat, always held
chased leaders, fell 8th
chased leader until 8th, went 2nd again 15th until approaching 3 out, 3rd and held when fell 3 out
took keen hold and held up in rear, headway to chase leader 8th, led 11th until 13th, chased leader until 14th, blundered nearly unseated rider and dropped to rear next, never on terms after, tailed off
in touch, headway to chase leaders 8th, weakened soon after 4 out
took keen hold, held up in touch, travelling well tracking leaders approaching 4 out, 2nd going well before next, led 2 out, clear when idled flat, always doing enough
Seigneur Des Bois has the beating of Minella Theatre on his second in a decent contest at Newbury a couple of weeks ago and has to be a leading contender in this. COOMBE HILL is the elder statesman of this party but was second in this 12 months ago, finishing more than two lengths ahead of third-placed Martys Mission. Charlotte Fear's veteran is 4lb better off with the latter now and can go one better this year. Richard's Sundance, a previous course and distance winner, looks best of the rest as Shy John's point-to-point form is nothing to write home about.
Coombe Hill 7-2 (12-7) Ap; chsd wnr 3 out; wknd flat, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Rumbavu (12-7) at Larkhill Racing Club 3m ptp gd.
Richard's Sundance (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) With leader, challenged and every chance before 4 out, quickly weakened and pulled before 4 out, in a race won by Pineau De Re (10-11) at Exeter 3m hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft, 8 ran.
Martys Mission (IRE) 6-4 (12-7) Hdwy 9; one pce 3 out, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Galbally King (12-0) at Cambridgeshire Harriers Hunt Clu 3m ptp gd in Dec.
Seigneur Des Bois (FR) 33-1 (11-11) Held up in 4th, closed before 6th, mistake 3 out, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Foundry Square (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft.
Gosser Time 50-1 (12-0) (bl) prom til lost plce 13; rallied aft 15; wknd 2 out, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Romassor (12-0) at Tiverton 3m ptp gs.
Minella Theatre (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden 12th, no impression, 4th of 8, 20l behind Foundry Square (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hts chs (6) sft.
Shy John 4-1 (12-0) Hdwy 12; chsd wnr 15; unable qckn, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Brunswick Gold (12-7) at Cambridgeshire Harriers Hunt Clu 3m ptp gd in Dec.
