led, blundered 11th, headed 14th, ridden 2 out, mistake last, kept on one pace, lost 2nd post
tracked leader, led 14th, ridden 2 out, stayed on flat
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace, went 2nd post
not jumped well, in rear, reminders after 4th, behind and struggling from 10th
Only four runners in this novice chase but it's an interesting contest as three of them have already scored over the larger obstacles. LARKS LAD's victory came in a walkover at Southwell eight days ago and it seems unfair that he is forced to carry a penalty but Nicky Henderson's gelding is a half-brother to useful chaser Hersov so should have a future over fences and can get the better of Bottman, who was far from fluent when successful here last month and may not be able to use his speed to get out of trouble over this longer trip. Helpston warrants respect on his win at Wetherby but No Rules may just need today's experience.
Bottman (IRE) 2-1 (11-3) Not fluent tracked leaders, jumped badly left 2nd and brushed wing, closed 11th, led next, ridden and ran on flat, won at Fakenham 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Oct beating Get It On (11-8) by 8l, 6 ran.
Helpston 4-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway before 10th to chase leaders, jumped left 12th, went 3rd before 4 out, ridden before 3 out, left 2nd at last, driven to lead towards finish, won at Wetherby 3m 1f nov chs (3) gd in Oct beating Night Force (10-11) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Larks Lad (IRE) (11-3) Walk over, won at Southwell 3m beg chs (5) gd, 1 ran.
No Rules 20-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway when not fluent 3 out, stayed on to go 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Working Title (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Sep '10.
