left in lead 1st, slow and headed next, led after next, headed when put off by loose horse and slow 8th, led 4 out, easily drew clear from last bend
took keen hold, held up, hampered 1st, led 5th, headed and restrained into last after 6th, blundered 7th, went left and not fluent 12th, went left 14th, about 5 lengths off front pair when fell 4 out (water)
left 2nd 1st, led next, headed 5th, led 8th, not fluent 11th, headed 4 out, not fluent 4 out, no impression on winner from last bend
led, hit 1st and unseated rider
This looks a good opportunity for JEANNOT DE NONANT, who is making his debut over fences in this country but has raced over the larger obstacles in France and Ireland. He won a 3m handicap over hurdles at Southwell in February and has been highly tried since. Minella Charmer fells on his chasing bow but was third at Exeter last year, though it’s a worry that he has fallen in three of his last four outings over timber. News For Pascal and Top Cat Dj would need something to happen to the market leaders to land this.
Jeannot De Nonant (FR) 33-1 (11-6) Towards rear, effort before 2 out, never dangerous, 10th of 20, 23 3/4l behind Mr Big Shot (11-5) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Apr.
Minella Charmer (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Held up in rear, fell 3rd, at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
News For Pascal (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) In rear, ridden 4 out, headway next, went poor 2nd run in, 2nd of 9, 16l behind Flying Verse (11-3) at Southwell 3m hcp (5) gd in May.
Top Cat Dj (IRE) 22-1 (10-0) Prominent, ridden and weakened before 3 out, 8th of 12, dist behind Havana Jack (11-5) at Perth 3m hcp (5) gd in May.
