held up behind leaders, ridden after 4 out, went second 3 out, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, chased winner from 7th, ridden after 4 out, jumped right and weakened from next
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, stayed on to go moderate 3rd run-in
held up, close fifth when fell 10th
made all, ridden clear from 2 out, readily
Johann de Vonnas made all when making a winning chase debut at Towcester last month and Nicky Henderson's gelding is taken to follow up in a race where Colonial Sunset and Chem's Truce are rated the main dangers. The selection was nothing out of the ordinary over hurdles but already looks to be better over the larger obstacles and the seven-year-old will be tough to beat if in the same mood. The Venetia Williams-trained Chem's Truce has the ability to take a hand here but has jumped poorly in his last two starts since making an encouraging start to his chasing career. He is difficult to recommend on recent evidence. Gary Moore's Brave Caradoc was well held on his reappearance and of greater interest may be Robert Alner's Gatejumper, who showed promise her last time and hails from a stable back among the winners. Chepstow selling handicap winner Colonial Sunset looks the pick of the remainder but for the winner we side with Johann de Vonnas.
