made all, led, pressed approaching 4 out, shaken up and regained control 3 out, left well clear after 2 out, not at his most fluent last, ridden out, comfortable
tracked leader in 2nd, pressed leader 4 out, not fluent when chased leader 3 out, fell 2 out
raced in 3rd, not fluent throughout, untidy 5 out, ridden after 4 out, left in 2nd after 2 out, kept on but no match for the winner
held up in rear, reminders and slightly behind after 5 out, never closer
Just the four runners but a very interesting novices’ chase to start proceedings. Mill Green jumped well when coming good at the second attempt over fences at Ffos Las but CAPTAIN TOM CAT (NAP) was even more impressive when winning a handicap by 12 lengths at Aintree and he looks one to follow. Golden Taipan is still seeking a first win over the larger obstacles but has a couple of seconds to his name while Yes No Maybe So was in the midst of a purple patch over hurdles at this time last year.
Captain Tom Cat (IRE) 5-6fav (11-4) Led, joined in the lead 4th, led 11th, kicked on 4 out, yet to be pressed or asked any questions when left clear 2 out, eased down closing stages, impressive, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in May beating Empire De Maulde (11-1) by 12l, 7 ran.
Mill Green Evensfav (10-12) Jumped well, made all, shaken up before after 3 out, ridden and edged right before last, stayed on well flat, won at Ffos Las 2m (4) gs in May beating Monsieur Lecoq (11-4) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
Golden Taipan (IRE) 16-5 (11-0) Held up in touch, not fluent 7th, pushed along after 4 out, went second before 2 out, ridden to challenge before last where not fluent, stayed on well flat, 2nd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Adjali (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f (3) gd in May.
Yes No Maybe So (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on outside, lost a few places 3rd, not fluent 5th, outpaced 9th, well beaten before 3 out, 8th of 9, 33 3/4l behind Aquila Sky (11-4) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
