held up in rear and in touch, jumped mainly left throughout, weakened before 4 out
tracked leaders in 4th, raced wide before 10th, went 3rd before 3 out, led after 2 out, soon clear
led, headed after 2 out, one pace
tracked leader, weakened from 4 out
The mare Mickie is making her debut over fences at a lofty level but she was second in a Grade 2 over hurdles last season and is getting plenty of weight from the others. Shutthefrontdoor has the highest chase rating of the other four courtesy of his victory in the Irish National at Fairyhouse in April. He could go on to better things this winter and has won on his seasonal reappearance in the past, while Vintage Star is no slouch and won this last year carrying 7lb less. Alpha Victor is a thorough stayer who was second in the Midlands National in March, but we are going to take a chance on the fitness of RIVAL D'ESTRUVAL. He only managed one run last season but would have gone close in the National Hunt Chase in 2013 had he not fallen two out and has yet to finish out of the first two at this track.
Rival D'Estruval (FR) 7-1 (11-7) In rear, jumped left 1st and 2nd, headway before 5 out, weakened after 3 out, last of 5, 22l behind Benvolio (11-4) at Haydock 2m 5f grd chs (5yo+) (2) hvy in Jan.
Shutthefrontdoor (IRE) 8-1fav (10-13) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, progress to challenge approaching 3 out, ridden early straight, under pressure and kept on well run-in to lead close home, won at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs (1) in Apr beating Golden Wonder (10-6) by 3/4l, 26 ran.
Vintage Star (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Mid-division, reminder and lost place after 12th, in touch 18th, mistake and lost place 23 (2nd foinavon), tailed off when pulled up before 26th, in a race won by Pineau De Re (10-6) at Aintree 4m 3f hcap ch Grd 3 (1) gs in Apr, 40 ran.
Alpha Victor (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Towards rear, hampered 17th, pushed along and weakened before 9 out, tailed off, pulled up, in a race won by Al Co (10-0) at Ayr 4m hcp chs G3 (1) gs in Apr, 29 ran.
Mickie 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on inside, driven 3 out, no extra flat, 4th of 9, 12l behind Land Of Vic (10-9) at Ayr 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr.
