jumped well, made all, in command from 2 out, soon clear, easily
chased leadering pair, jumped right 7th, chased winner approaching 4 out, pushed along before next, no impression and well held when blundered 2 out
soon behind, struggling after 7th, tailed off and pulled up before 10th
chased leaders in 4th, not fluent next, pushed along and weakened after 7th, continued, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
tended to jump right, chased winner, blundered 8th, jumped right next, lost 2nd approaching 4 out, 3rd and well beaten when went badly right 2 out and pulled up
Nonrunner
Mount Oscar and QUARTZ DE THAIX should have this beginners chase between them and with the latter proven in heavy conditions we marginally prefer the Venetia Williams runner while Helium has every chance if transferring his hurdles form. The pick was a winner of a novice hurdle in bottomless conditions at Bangor last season so although his form dropped off in some top races thereafter he can go well on his chase debut. Mount Oscar has already experienced chasing and found just one to good in a novice event two starts ago. His experience could give him the edge but the ground might remain an issue. Helium reached a mark of 132 over hurdles and has gone well a few times in soft ground so we can expect a good run and Sebastiano has performed well in his last three fencing starts and is also on the shortlist. This isn't as straight forward as it first appears and Quartz De Thaix is a tentative selection.
Mount Oscar (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) In touch, mistake 7th, driven and weakened 13th, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Lyes Green (10-11) at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Mar.
Quartz de Thaix (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, hit next, soon weakened, 19th of 23, well behind Andytown (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Sparkbridge (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Held up, mistake 5th and 7th, soon ridden, behind when pulled up 2 out, in a race won by Flashy Conquest (11-8) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft, 9 ran.
Sporting Medic (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 3 out, chased winner 2 out, soon ridden, hanging left, not fluent last, weakened flat, 4th of 9, 8l behind Take Me There (10-12) at Southwell 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct '08.
Helium (FR) 14-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up, headway approaching 4 out, every chance and travelling well 2 out, soon driven, and weakened before last, 6th of 9, 13l behind James De Vassy (10-4) at Chepstow 2m 4yo hcp hdl (2) gd in Oct.
Pilgrims Lane (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Rider lost irons and pulled up after 1st, in a race won by Vinmix De Bessy (11-5) at Lingfield 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs, 6 ran.
Sebastiano (FR) 7-2 (11-5) Held up in touch, led 2 out, headed after last, soon weakened, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind American World (11-11) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
