with leader, led 2nd, made rest, hit 3 out, in command when blundered 2 out, hit last, driven out
jumped right 1st, behind when blundered and fell 4th
not fluent, led to 2nd, with winner, mistake 6th, driven after 3 out, held when blundered 2 out
chased clear leading pair, well outpaced and lost touch 6th, continued, tailed off
This looks to be match-up between Greenhope and Mondul and the narrow vote is given to Greenhope. The selection would not want any further rain but he is in good form and put up a cracking effort over this course and distance last time when second behind Kadount. Nicky Henderson's string look as though they may just be running into some form and on that basis we are happy to put him forward as the selection. Mondul is the obvious danger but he has already fallen twice over fences, and although he looks to have the ability to win this, he does not look a natural jumper and that may be his undoing here. Both Madison Avenue and Panhandle have failed to complete on two of their last three starts so they can't be backed with any confidence and for the winner we are happy to stick with Greenhope.
Greenhope (IRE) 8-1 Led until narrowly headed 4 out, stayed chasing winner, tried to rally and hit last, no extra run-in, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Kadount at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (C) sft in Jan.
Madison Avenue (GER) 50-1 Held up towards rear, ridden 6th, soon behind, 7th of 12, 21l behind Krakow Baba at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs.
Mondul (GER) 8-1 With leader to 5th, weakened next, 5th of 6, 30l behind My Will at Uttoxeter 2m nov chs Grd 2 (A) hvy in Jan.
Panhandle 50-1 Reluctant to race, lost touch 7th, tailed off when pulled up at the 12th in race won by Robber at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-95 (F) sft, 18 ran.
