chased leader until blundered badly 9th, no chance from next, regained 3rd last
in chasing group, closed on leader with winner 4 out, soon ridden and beaten
chased leading pair, ridden after 6th, beaten from 9th
in chasing group, driven along 6th, closed on leader 4 out, led approaching 3 out, kept on strongly
led at fast pace, hit 2nd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon held
soon tailed off
A cracking heat in which Fleet Street may be able to get the better of Predateur and Pur De Sivola. The selection has had his problems, missing the whole of 2006, but the former Supreme Novices' third made a faultless return to chasing at Leicester. This will be more of a test but he jumped with elan and proved that his class remains intact. It was hoped that Predateur would develop into an Arkle candidate this season and he reverts to 2 miles for the first time since finishing second to Moon Over Miami on his chase debut. He hasn't quite lived up to initial expectations but he seems to be getting the hang of things and all is not lost yet. His chance is respected. Pur De Sivola is another smart sort but already looks in need of a stiffer test and could be done for speed in this class at this trip. Our Jasper has done more than pay his way but could be found out in this company but Gentle John is improving and isn't dismissed. He has a fair bit to prove though and we take Fleet Street to make the headlines.
Fleet Street Evensfav (11-0) Prominent, led 2nd, clear next, challenged from 2 out, ridden and ran on well flat, won at Leicester 2m beg chs (4) gs beating Orpen Wide (10-9) by 8l, 9 ran.
Predateur (FR) 9-4fav (10-9) In touch, not fluent 10th, chased winner after 4 out, ridden 2 out, every chance last, no extra, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Lead On (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs.
Our Jasper 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway and in touch 7th, challenged 3 out, kept on and every chance until no extra, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Nirvana Swing (10-9) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Pur De Sivola (FR) 10-3 (11-2) Led to 3rd, reminders to lead after 5th to 4 out, no chance with winner after next, 2nd of 4, 16l behind Mahogany Blaze (11-9) at Kempton 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Gentle John (FR) 10-3fav (11-5) Made virtually all, mistake 2 out, driven out, won at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs beating Orfeo Conti (11-2) by 10l, 13 ran.
Pitton Prince 200-1 (10-7) Led, headed 7th, soon behind, tailed off, 3rd of 6, 33l behind Triggernometry (11-0) at Taunton 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd in Dec.
