led, mistake 2nd, 6 lengths clear when fell 4 out
tracked leader, 6 lengths down when slightly hampered and left well clear 4 out, ridden out
close 3rd, not fluent 7th, ridden and lost touch next, left 2nd 4 out
KUDU COUNTRY has a penalty to carry for his chasing debut victory at Carlisle, but looks the one to beat nonetheless. He found only the progressive Frascati Park too good back at the same track last time and neither of today's rivals look up to that level. Bunclody scored in heavy ground over hurdles early this year and is making his chasing debut on his first start since April, while Lady Willa looks to have plenty to find having finished a well beaten second on her first start over fences at Warwick earlier this month.
Kudu Country (IRE) 11-8 (11-5) Chased winner, blundered 5th, ridden before 2 out, held when not fluent 2 out, eased closing stages, 2nd of 5, 14l behind Frascati Park (11-5) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) sft in Nov.
Bunclody 12-1 (11-6) Disputed lead until overall leader 2 out, strongly challenged last, headed towards finish, no extra, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Arthurian Legend (11-6) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Apr.
Lady Willa (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) Held up, went 3rd from 5th, blundered 8th, left 2nd when hampered 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 32l behind George Nympton (11-0) at Warwick 2m beg chs (4) gd.
