chased leaders in 3rd until well outpaced 7th, 5th and weakening when fell 8th
chased winner, ridden after 4 out, weakened and lost 2nd 2 out
always behind, well outpaced 7th, no chance after, tailed off
always behind, struggling 7th, tailed off
chased leaders in 4th, went 3rd after 7th, chased winner 2 out, no impression
always struggling in rear, lost touch 7th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out
tended to jump right, made all, hit 5th, stayed on well from 2 out
TCHICO POLOS makes most appeal in this beginners' chase and he is nominated over the likes of Martys Mission and Chunky Lad. Anything Paul Nicholls sends to post in an event of this nature has to be respected and this 5-year-old showed plenty of promise last time out when chasing home Red Admiral at Hereford. He was a useful performer over hurdles and he shapes as though he should be able to translate that to the bigger obstacles so he looks to set the benchmark. Martys Mission hasn't been seen out since finishing down the field in a Grade 3 hurdle at Sandown. He shapes as though he should make a decent chaser and he is one to note in the market. Chunky Lad has got winning form in selling hurdles and he ran well enough on his chasing debut last time out. However, he did not jump all that fluently and he will need to improve in that department if he is to make the frame today. Cavallini was a fair hurdler and he is another to consider on his chase bow, but we will stick with Tchico Polos who looks a safer bet to get his head in front.
Calgary Jock 25-1 (10-13) Raced keenly, led after 1st, hit 5th, soon headed, weakened after next, last of 14, 43l behind Bedizen (11-5) at Stratford 2m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Cavallini (USA) 8-11fav (11-0) Led until fell 1st, in a race won by Viva Colonia (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd, 14 ran.
Chunky Lad 5-2 (10-5) Mostly raced in 3rd, blundered 6th, chased winner after 4 out, no impression after next, 2nd of 4, 20l behind Prince Vector (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Drombeg Pride (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Made most, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened after next, mistake last, lost moderate 3rd flat, 4th of 5, 16l behind Five Dream (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chase (4) gd.
Martys Mission (IRE) 100-1 (11-8) Mistake 3rd, ridden 6th, always behind, driven and struggling before 3 out, 17th of 18, well behind Big Eared Fran (11-6) at Sandown 2m 4f Grade 3 nov hcp hdl (1) gd in Mar.
Mystic Storm 20-1 (10-13) Held up in 5th, tracked leading pair 5th, pushed along after 3 out, no chance before next, 3rd of 5, 23l behind King's Alchemist (10-7) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Tchico Polos (FR) Evensfav (10-12) Led and keen, soon clear, ridden and challenged 2 out, headed when hit last, outbattled, 2nd of 6, hd behind Red Admiral (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f nov stks (4) gd in Apr.
