led, headed 6th, ridden 3 out, switched right approaching 2 out, rallied after last, led flat
in rear, ridden 3 out, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 6th, hit next, ridden 2 out, headed flat, no extra
in touch, not fluent 2nd, mistake 4th, behind 8th, pulled up before 3 out
in touch, blundered 7th, one-paced from 3 out
Paul Nicholls faces a task in keeping his band of top novice chasers apart but he looks to have found a good opportunity for I'MSINGINGTHEBLUES to add to his impressive chasing debut at this venue 24 days ago. The professional manner in which he negotiated his obstacles was quite taking. Flat tracks like Kempton look to suit him best and presuming he is allowed to bowl along in front here, he should win this. Modicum unseated his rider at the first on debut but as a novice he proved himself an admirable sort. He bumped into a couple of smart sorts on the Northern circuit throughout the early part of last season before taking full advantage of a drop in class next time. His best run was arguably at Aintree when finishing third behind Tidal Bay. While he never challenged to win that top novice chase it remains a good effort and while he still needs to brush up on his jumping, his experience should stand to him here. Whether he posses the necessary sharpness to match a type like the selection is doubtful. Penzance returns to chasing following some pleasing efforts last season in graded company. He looks a light of former years while Pur De Sivola has reportedly strengthened up over the summer. He suffered a horrific fall here in the Pendil Novices Chase last season before finishing lame on his final start. This trip is likely to be on the sharp side for him and trips in and around 2m 4f should see him in a better light. I'msingingtheblues is selected to achieve victory number two over fences.
Briareus 7-2 (11-5) Blundered 1st, led until 5th, with leader, led 12th, in command when not fluent last, kept on well, won at Ascot 2m 3f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Dec '06 beating Knight Legend (11-5) by 3l, 5 ran.
Gentle John (FR) 13-8fav (11-8) Led and soon well clear, joined 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened flat, 2nd of 4, 15l behind Orpen Wide (10-7) at Ascot 2m 1f nov chs (3) gd in Apr.
Pur De Sivola (FR) 4-7fav (11-8) In touch, ridden and chased winner approaching 4 out, one pace from 3 out, 4th of 7, 13l behind Keepthedreamalive (10-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) gs in Mar.
I'msingingtheblues (IRE) 15-8 (11-2) Jumped well, tracked leaders, led 3rd, made rest, in command approaching 2 out, easily, won at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct beating Greenbridge (11-2) by 8l, 11 ran.
Modicum (USA) 8-1 (11-9) fell in race won by Bleu Superbe (10-6) at Ascot 2m 1f lst hcp chs (1) gd, 13 ran.
Penzance 7-2 (11-8) Chased clear leader, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened before last, 6th of 8, 7l behind Poquelin (11-6) at Sandown 2m hdl (2) gd in Apr.
