not fluent 1st, tracked leading pair, mistake 3rd, not fluent 7th, pushed along approaching 3 out, good jump to challenge 2 out, driven to lead last, held on well towards finish
led to 8th, with leader, led 10th, blundered 12th, not fluent and joined 2 out, headed last, stayed challenging, held towards finish
chased leading pair until outpaced before 4 out
pressed leader, led 8th to 10th, stayed pressing leader until outpaced before 2 out
Nonrunner
The small fields continue in this Condition Jockeys Handicap Chase but based on his hurdles form AYEMDEE looks well treated on his chase bow and just gets the vote ahead of course specialist Kappelhoff and soft ground performer Colonial Jim. Rated four pounds lower than when taking on hurdles the selection looks weighted for a big run on ground he is proven on. He was well beat last time but this looks easier and this trip looks a nice starting point in this sphere. Kappelhoff has won at this track three times from 16 starts including once over course and distance. He looks competitive under his revised mark and was putting in some good performances at the end of last term. Colonial Jim has some soft ground form to call on and should be fitter after his reappearance run while both Hobb's Dream and Ere Alfie have plenty to prove in these conditions. This is a tight little contest in which Ayemdee has the best claims.
Ayemdee (IRE) 11-2fav (10-6) Held up, not fluent 8th, always towards rear, 12th of 17, well behind Freeline Fury (11-1) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Feb.
Colonial Jim (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, chased leaders approaching 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 11, 22l behind Alldunnandusted (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd.
Ere Alfie (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Prominent, challenged 9th, weakened after 2 out, 6th of 17, well behind Dew Drop Inn (11-12) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-85 (5) gd.
Kappelhoff (IRE) 7-2 (10-11) Held up, headway 7th, mistake 12th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 8, well behind Ultimate Limit (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Feb.
Hobb's Dream (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Not fluent, held up, weakened after 4 out, no chance when fell 2 out, in a race won by Dusk (10-9) at Lingfield 3m nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs, 6 ran.
