held up in rear but in touch, under pressure 4 out, never a factor
tracked leaders, led 3rd, headed after next, led again 3 out, hard ridden after last, ran on strongly
led until 3rd, led again after next, headed 3 out, rallied and every chance before last, kept on under pressure, not pace of winner
chased leaders, hard ridden after 3 out, mistake next, never a threat
tracked leader, slow 5 out, under pressure when hampered 2 out, no impression
An interesting novice chase in which TREACKLE TART is taken to go one better after a very satisfactory chasing debut when chasing home Whatduhavetoget in a competitive contest at Warwick, the form of which has been franked by the winner going in again. She receives 7lb from the boys, of which Alan King's useful handicap hurdler, Azzerti, makes most appeal. Conditions should suit him really well for this chasing bow and he's a major danger. Gustave Mahler has posted two wins and a second in three starts here and is another interesting chasing recruit with Richard Johnson an eye-catching booking. Duke Street ran well here on his chase debut but disappointed thereafter and Grand Turina has much to find on official hurdling ratings.
Azzerti (FR) 20-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway when hit 7th, not much room and switched right before last kept on flat, went 2nd last stride, no impression on winner, 2nd of 22, 1 1/4l behind Champagne Express (10-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Duke Street (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) In rear, reminder after 3rd, struggling 3 out, never pace to challenge, 7th of 8, 16 3/4l behind Benatar (12-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Gustave Mahler (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Led until after 4th, pressed leader until after 7th, weakened rapidly, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Chepstow 2m 3f (1) gd in Oct.
Grand Turina 9-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, hit 5th, 2nd 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden and headed before the last, weakened run-in, 4th of 13, 5 3/4l behind Aaron Lad (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Treackle Tart (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Chased winner until blundered and lost place 3rd, chased leading trio, hit next, pushed along and went 3rd 2 out, went 2nd run-in, stayed on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Whatduhavtoget (10-12) at Warwick 2m 4f (4) gd in May.