led, blundered 3 out, mistake and headed next, 3rd and beaten when went badly left last
blundered 1st, behind, ridden along 6th, some headway under pressure approaching 4 out, soon struggling
chased leaders, driven along virtually throughout, blundered and weakened 4 out
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, behind after 7th, soon tailed off
tracked leader, led 2 out, pushed clear run-in, readily
held up, mistakes 3rd and 5th, headway to chase leaders 8th, challenged 4 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression
chased leaders, outpaced before 4 out, soon well behind
The vote here goes to Julies Boy, while Pavey Ark might prove to be his biggest danger, although Manoram holds claims on form from earlier in the year. Supported in the market at Fontwell last time following a lay-off, Julies Boy landed the spoils in decent enough fashion and, even under a penalty, could yet remain well-weighted. As such, he is given the nod. Manoram won from today's mark in May, but he has not inspired since that win, while Another Native, an Irish bumper winner in 2004, needs to improve on his two British runs to date, although he drops back in trip today. Charliemoore has to find more as he is eight pounds higher than for his Taunton selling chase win, while Konker is thrown in on his hurdling form of 2003 and, much as he hasn't really set the world alight over fences, still seems to retain some ability. Watch the betting with regard to Irish import Arctic Cherry, while, having placed form from a slightly higher mark this year, Pavey Ark can be given a chance, but Stopwatch is too far out of the weights to be considered. This returns us to the selection, which is Julies Boy.
Manoram (GER) 20-1 (10-2) Behind from 6th, tailed off and pulled up 4 out in race won by Magic Sky (11-2) at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf in Sept, 12 ran.
Another Native (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace from 4 out, 4th of 12, 7l behind Do L'enfant D'eau (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f beg chs (E) gs in Jan.
Charliemoore 7-1 (11-5) In touch until 7th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up 3 out in race won by Julies Boy (9-8) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gs, 11 ran.
Konker 20-1 (10-13) Held up, weakened 4 out, 6th of 8, 48l behind Albuhera (11-6) at Wetherby 2m beg chs (E) sft in Oct.
Julies Boy (IRE) 5-1 (9-8) Prominent, left in lead 3rd, stayed on strongly from 2 out, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gs beating Mystical Star (10-11) by 6l, 11 ran.
Pavey Ark (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) In touch to 9th, behind from next, 6th of 9, well behind Devondale (10-4) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft.
Stopwatch (IRE) 13-2 (10-5) Chased leaders, blundered 9th, lost 3rd next, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 42l behind Mystical Star (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (F) gd in Oct.
Arctic Cherry (IRE) 2nd of 3, btn 1l in a point to point 3m in Apr.
