tracked leading pair, not fluent 5th, went 2nd going well approaching 2 out, led narrowly between last 2, mistake last, soon headed and stayed on same pace flat
led, pressed 2 out, narroly headed between last 2, soon driven, chased leader, every chance when mistake and went right soon after last, no extra in 3rd flat
tracked leading trio, headway disputing close 2nd when mistake 2 out, rallied and switched left approaching last, ridden and upsides last, soon led and stayed on strongly, driven out
tracked leader, hit 3rd, not fluent next, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and outpaced when edged right approaching 2 out, soon beaten
always in rear, outpaced and struggling after 5th, losing touch when went left 3 out, tailed off and mistake next
Nonrunner
This is usually won by a smart novice but whether Saint Roque, who is quite exposed, will have the class to complete a five-timer is debatable. BEAT THAT only made his hurdling debut at Ascot last month but could not have been more impressive, pulling away from more experienced rivals to score by 10 lengths despite being eased close home. He can take this big step up in grade in his stride and keep Cheltenham aspirations on track. Oscar Fortune is unbeaten over timber but just held on at Carlisle last time while Killala Quay came unstuck in a Cheltenham handicap last time. Back In June and House Party may find this company too hot.
Beat That (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) Tracked leading pair, effort to challenge on outside 2 out, soon led, driven clear before last, drew right away flat, comfortably, won at Ascot 2m 3f NH mdn hdl (3) gs in Nov beating Champagne West (11-0) by 10l, 9 ran.
Saint Roque (FR) 11-4 (11-6) Mostly tracked leader, led before last, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Oct beating Rum And Butter (11-6) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Killala Quay 11-1 (11-7) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, hampered next, kept on same pace, never on terms, 7th of 20, 14l behind Thomas Crapper (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Nov.
Oscar Fortune (IRE) 5-4fav (11-5) Jumped left at times, tracked leader until 5th, pushed along before 3 out, led 2 out, hung left towards finish, stayed on, won at Carlisle 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Deputy Dan (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Back In June 50-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, went 4th before 2 out, ridden to chase winner before last, kept on and held run-in, 2nd of 6, 4l behind The Skyfarmer (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) gd in Oct.
Houseparty 5-2 (11-2) Soon behind and ran in snatches, reminders after 3rd, headway to 3rd well before 2 out, soon driven and no impression, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Cut The Cards (11-9) at Southwell 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jul.
