never travelling, hung left throughout, chased leaders, ridden after 4th, plugged on to take 2nd run-in, never any chance with winner
made all, eased ahead 4 out, hit last, comfortably
tracked winner, joined winner 5th, not fluent next, ridden approaching 4 out, soon held, weakened after 2 out, lost 2nd run-in
held up, went 3rd after 4th, jumped left from 7th, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off
Just four turn up for this novices' chase and it looks made for OUMEYADE, who can outpoint Greenbridge. The Paul Nicholls-trained selection is started off over a trip that he still has enough pace for, as evidenced by his Kempton win last time. He acts well with cut in the ground and usually jumps well, and after a very easy success last time he looks a worthy favourite to follow up. Greenbridge will probably emerge as his most serious danger. Alan King's gelding looks likely to improve for his recent Sunbury spin and he looks a good chaser in the making. Trip and ground suit and he looks likely to go very well. Oscar Bay handles cut well but has not been seen since being well beaten in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March and may just need this first experience over fences. Like A Duke is an almost certain improver for a recent run at headquarters but he will need to find plenty to trouble our selection Oumeyade.
Oscar Bay (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, reminders and driven 5th, headway approaching 4 out, led last, kept on well, won at Haydock 2m 4f beg chs (2) gd in May beating That's Rhythm (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Oumeyade (FR) 9-4fav (11-8) Jumped well, made all, well in command approaching 2 out, unchallenged, won at Kempton 2m hcp chs (2) gd in Oct beating Tramantano (10-12) by 11l, 6 ran.
Greenbridge (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, chased winner 4 out, ridden and no impression approaching 2 out, 2nd of 11, 8l behind I'msingingtheblues (11-2) at Kempton 2m beg chs (3) gd in Oct.
Like A Duke (FR) 20-1 (11-2) Held up when mistake 1st and 2nd, lost place 9th, continued, tailed off, 7th of 10, well behind Poquelin (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs (2) gd in Oct.
