led, hit 7th, headed 12th, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner
chased leader to 10th, in 3rd and held when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
in rear and in touch, not fluent, struggling from 9th, went remote 3rd before 2 out, never dangerous
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 10th, led 12th, clear from 3 out
The top two dominate and it's a hard choice between the pair, both having made impressive starts to their chasing careers. Al Qeddaaf only just held on to repel Bermuda Boy last time though and his decisive defeat of Pistolet Noir hasn't been franked by his victim's subsequent effort. He's certainly laden with potential but yet to win over this far and therefore MAJESTIC MAYHEM is preferred. George Moore's gelding has been really impressive in landing two ordinary northern novice chases, his fencing being of a notably high order. He's proven over this trip and this will tell us how good he is. Cat Six looks next best in receipt of bags of weight from the penalised pair.
Al Qeddaaf (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Made virtually all, ridden after 2 out, held on, won at Newton Abbot 2m nov chs (3) gs in Jun beating Bermuda Boy (10-12) by hd, 5 ran.
Majestic Mayhem (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) With leaders, made most from 2nd, headed 2 out, regained lead between last 2, drew clear approaching last, driven out flat, won at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Jun beating Montoya's Son (11-5) by 15l, 6 ran.
Paddy Partridge 28-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, lost place after 2nd, headway after 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened from next, 10th of 14, 30l behind Ixora (9-11) at Ffos Las 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Jun.
Cat Six (USA) 5-1 (10-4) Tracked leader, slithered on landing 9th, led after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, headed before last, no extra flat, 3rd of 4, 9l behind Ostland (11-7) at Towcester 2m 6f nov chs (4) gf in May.
