towards rear, ridden 10th weakened next
tracked leaders, weakened quickly 10th, tailed off when mistake 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leader, narrow leader 13th, pecked 14th, clear after 2 out, eased down
led, headed approaching 9th, weakened 10th, soon well behind
always in rear, ridden 8th, weakened 11th, tailed off
in touch, lost place 6th, headway to join leader 8th, led 9th, headed 13th, ridden next, drew clear with winner, weakening when hanging left from 3 out, hit 2 out, struggled home very
towards rear, stayed on moderately from 14th, just failed for 2nd flat
In such a ordinary looking novice chase it is difficult to avoid the chances of Gumley Gale. Kevin Bishops charge was rated far superior to his rivals over hurdles and made a pleasing debut over fences last time out when finishing second behind St Matthew only beaten just over a length. He can come on for that experience and win today albeit at a short price. Of his rivals today Barton Saint did have some half decent form a couple of years ago and did manage to win between the flags in the Spring, but his last two efforts under rules will only give him place chances. Peter Bowen is having winners at present so it may be worth looking out for any market support for Withthelads who has his chase debut and did win over hurdles in the Spring. His recent hurdles form is below average but fences could transform him and could fill the forecast position. But for the winner we return to Gumley Gale.
