tracked winner, challenged 6th, ridden 3 out, lost 2nd 2 out, regained that position last, no chance with winner
held up in last, headway 7th, ridden after 3 out, chased winner 2 out, no impression, lost 2nd last, weakened flat
made all, clear approaching last, very easily
tracked leaders, not fluent when pushed along 4 out, not fluent next, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, last when not flueunt 3 out, soon weakened
A small but select field line up for this novice chase in which we like the look of SMACK THAT ahead of Gee Dee Nen and Conflictofinterest. The selection won very easily at Aintree on his first start for his new connections. That was also his first run since moving from Ireland where he was contesting mostly on a soft surface. He appreciated the good ground while winning at Aintree and with conditions once again in his favour he is the one to beat. Gee Dee Nen also carries a penalty for winning last time out at this venue. He does however step down in trip which may not be an advantage. That said he was at best rated as high as 133 over hurdles so obviously he has talent and deserves respect. Conflictofinterest won a bumper two seasons ago but has been thumped by the handicapper over hurdles having been placed in some top novice events. He finished an eye catching second over course and distance on his penultimate outing but disappointed last time out when sent off a short priced favourite. He does however have some class and should be closely monitored in the betting market. Smack That won with so much ease last time out that he is the one horse in the race to stay on the right side of.
Gee Dee Nen 5-2 (11-0) Led until after 2nd, pressed leader, led 8th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m 5f beg chase (5) gf beating Classic Swain (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Smack That (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Travelled well in 4th, challenged on bit 3 out, led 2 out, cruised clear, very easily, won at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd beating Kikos (10-12) by 18l, 4 ran.
Blacktoft (USA) 12-1 (10-12) Led until 4 out, not fluent next, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 4, 23l behind Mutual Friend (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov chs (4) gd in May.
Conflictofinterest 4-11fav (11-0) Led, headed approaching 2nd, led again 3rd, headed approaching last, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 37l behind I Need A Hero (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Paradise Regained (FR) 40-1 (10-11) In touch until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 11th of 15, 32l behind Public Esteem (11-5) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf.
