tracked leaders, chased leaders 4 out, led 3 out, clear 2 out, mistake last
with leader, led 3rd, headed next, then again 5th, headed 9th, weakened 4 out
held up towards rear, close order 4 out, ridden and not fluent 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
in touch, closer order 7th, ridden 4 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression
tracked leaders, led 9th, headed 3 out, weakened next
in rear, jumped left 2nd, pecked 5th, hampered by loose horse 6th and pulled up before next
towards rear, mistake 3rd, saddle slipped and mistake 6th, pulled up before next
unseated rider 2nd
led, headed 3rd, led again briefly 4th, ridden 7th, soon weakened and pulled up before 10th
never a factor
Avitta has a good record fresh, however this isn't the easiest of races and therefore she is passed over in favour of Noel Chance's Obelix De Longechaux who can make fitness tell. The ex-French gelding is having his first run in Britain and could be a classier sort than the majority of these, although a live threat could be Jonjo O'Neill's Spuradich. One can ignore his last run as he was pulled up after a very bad blunder when still in with a chance, and representing such a powerful in-form stable, he certainly can not be discounted. Of the rest, Welsh Main has won over course and distance and won't mind the predicted ground and should be sharper for his recent pipe-opener over hurdles. At larger odds, He's The Gaffer has the potential to go well if ironing out his jumping irregularities and so shouldn't be dismissed lightly. However, a chance is taken on Obelix De Longechaux making a successful British debut under capable claiming jockey William Kennedy.
Avitta (IRE) 9-2 (11-6) In touch until weakened 13th, 5th of 6, well behind Bannister Lane (10-3) at Haydock 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Feb.
Cheeky Lad 14-1 (11-12) fell at the 2nd in race won by Notanotherdonkey (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Oct, 15 ran.
Spuradich (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 7th, blundered badly 10th, not recover and pulled up 2 out in race won by Master T (11-10) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Oct, 6 ran.
Welsh Main 25-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 7th, kept on same pace, 5th of 15, 10l behind Bishop's Bridge (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
He's The Gaffer (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) In touch, blundered 9th, ridden and weakened 4 out, 5th of 10, 23l behind Butler's Cabin (11-7) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Oct.
Thenameescapesme 11-1 (11-12) Held up, some headway into 6th, still well adrift when fell at the 9th in race won by Herecomestanley (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Oct, 9 ran.
Rude Health 8-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, went 3rd at 11th, outpaced approaching 3 out, 3rd of 4, 9l behind Ma Furie (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gd.
Obelix De Longechaux (FR) (11-0) 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Essart Premier (10-10) at Maure De Bretagn 2m 3f clm chs gd in Oct (claimed 10,000 euros).
