held up in 5th, chased leading 3 after 4 out, left close 3rd and slightly hampered 3 out, outpaced by leading pair before next
tracked leaders, left in narrow lead 3 out, joined last, kept on until headed final 100 yards
led, mistake 1st and 2nd, mistake and headed 3rd, blundered badly 9th, lost 2nd at 11th, lost touch from 13th
jumped big 1st, in rear, blundered 12th, lost touch 4 out
led 3rd, pushed along after 4 out, narrow leader when blundered and fell 3 out
close up in 4th, tracked leader from 11th, left close 2nd 3 out, upsides last, driven ahead final 100 yards
Although there is a slight doubt about the form of Martin Pipe's runners at the moment, Mondial Jack has a typical profile for an improving type to keep on the right side of and this French-bred gelding edges the narrowest of votes over Sir Talbot in this Novices' chase. Whereas there is not much to split Burundi and Blackchurch Mist on the best of their efforts and they too could play a hand at the finish if they negotiate a clear round. However, both will need to improve if they are to get past the likely market principles and the representative from the Pipe and Old stables appear to be the most reliable options for the forecast positions. A line through Old March does not leave much between the pair and a good scrap should unfold. But with Mondial Jack open to more improvement and in receipt of 8lb, he looks the percentage call to emerge on top today.
