tracked leader, mistake 5th, left in lead after 8th, mistake next, not fluent 4 out, challenged 3 out, headed and weakened next
held up, headway after 7th, hit 9th, not fluent next, disputed 3 out, soon led, won easily
led until ran out and unseated rider 100 yards after 8th
always behind, tailed off from 6th
soon behind and reminders, outpaced 6th, headway after 9th, disputed and every chance 3 out, soon ridden and beaten
Just five go to post for this novice chase where River City looks the pick to beat Bonnie Flora and Gabla. Noel Chance's gelding has a hurdle rating of 135, and took well to the larger obstacles when beating the top class Westender in easy fashion. The runner-up was far superior to the selection over hurdles so it is probable that River City will make a much better chaser than hurdler. Bonnie Flora also comes here in winning form having landed a three runner event at Newton Abbot, her hurdles form was nothing spectacular so the form of that event may be very modest, however she could be the main threat to the selection. Gabla is the only other runner of note, he finished a well beaten fourth in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter last time, but does have decent hurdle form in the past. So after weighing up the opposition, River City does look a good thing to follow up his recent victory.
