tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 7th, challenged 4 out to 2 out, one pace flat
held up in rear, went remote 4th 4 out, weakened after next
soon towards rear, headway 7th, went 3rd approaching 4 out, no impression from next
made all, blundered 1st, stayed on gamely flat
close up, weakened approaching 4 out
in touch, blundered and unseated rider 2nd
held up towards rear, hampered 7th, no danger after
in touch, fell 7th
held up and behind, pushed along 4 out, no impression on leaders
Nonrunner
Andre Chenier is the choice over the likes of Some Touch, and Chief Yeoman, with Ease The Way and Bold Fire. Andre Chenier was well fancied when landing a beginners' chase at Sedgefield in March where he won as expected, and since then Peter Monteith's gelding has been kept in trim with a spin on the Flat at Newcastle. He has conditions to suit today, and has enough class to come out on top despite the claims of Some Touch. The latter was given a strong ride by Paddy Brennan to beat Eborarry at Wetherby and Wilson Renwick will have to be at his best to make sure his mount does not make too many mistakes. Having fallen at Cheltenham, Chief Yeoman fared better at Aintree next time when fourth to Private Be, and this drop in grade should help his cause. Ease The Way lacked a gear when brushed aside by Pearl King at Ludlow and may need a step back up in trip, while neither Bold Fire or Echo Point have really impressed yet. Andre Chenier has won round here before and can do so again.
Chief Yeoman 13-2 (11-1) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 10, 12l behind Private Be (10-10) at Aintree 2m 4f amt nov hcp chs (2) gd.
Andre Chenier (IRE) 5-4fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway 8th, went 2nd 2 out, led before last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Sedgefield 2m beg chs (4) gf in Mar beating Nebraska City (10-13) by 4l, 11 ran.
Ease The Way 5-2 (11-6) Soon clear, headed briefly 8th, led again 9th, headed 4 out, ridden 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Pearl King (11-7) at Ludlow 2m nov chs (3) gf.
Echo Point (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Led, headed after 8th, not fluent 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 31l behind Lankawi (11-3) at Hexham 2m nov chs (3) sft in Mar.
Fencote Gold 50-1 (10-10) Led, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 43l behind Bougoure (10-10) at Catterick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Nov '05.
Norminster 16-1 (10-9) Soon behind, outpaced halfway, tailed off when blundered 4 out, 10th of 11, well behind Rayshan (10-11) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (4) gd.
Bold Fire 6-1 (11-2) Raced wide, held up, headway to track leaders 4th, went 2nd 13th, led 4 out to 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 9, 35l behind Penneyrose Bay (10-6) at Newbury 2m 6f mrs hcp chs (1) gd in Mar.
Some Touch (IRE) 11-4 (11-9) Led, headed and hit 2 out, rallied to lead again last 50 yards, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan beating Eborarry (10-7) by 2l, 4 ran.
