chased leaders, mistake 10th, not fluent next, soon lost place, weakened before last
made all, jumped well, challenged before 2 out, drew clear last, ran on strongly
tracking leader when fell 5 out
chased leaders in 4th, took closer order 11th, driven to challenge 3 out, every chance when mistake next, rallied after last, kept on well
Despite winning over hurdles at Wincanton and Hereford last season, Strong Pursuit always looked a chaser in the making and should be worth following in the coming months whatever happens today. But TOPOFTHEGAME also looks a nice prospect as he's another who has already won between the flags. Paul Nicholls' five-year-old only ran three times last season but wasn't disgraced in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in between solid efforts at Ascot and should thrive over the larger obstacles. That hasn't been the case with the once-useful Beat That or the mare Morello Royale.
Beat That (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders until fell 12th, at Cheltenham 3m (2) gd in Oct.
Strong Pursuit (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Led, ridden after 2 out, joined last, soon headed, still every chance 100 yards out, held towards finish, 2nd of 4, 1l behind Reigning Supreme (11-6) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) gs in Mar.
Topofthegame (IRE) 7-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, challenged 2 out, upsides and every chance under pressure run-in, went 2nd post, just held, 2nd of 8, nk behind Beyond Conceit (11-5) at Ascot 2m 3f (2) sft in Feb.
Morello Royale (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Held up in last air, headway tracking leaders approaching 8th, weakened 5 out, blundered 3 out, 4th of 7, 35 1/2l behind Knight Of Noir (11-0) at Chepstow 3m (3) gs in Oct.
