jumped soundly, made all, clear 6th, kept on strongly, unchallenged
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, 2nd approaching 3rd, reached for 4th and next, hit 8th, lost 2nd after 4 out, weakened tamely before next, pulled up before last
mistakes, tracked winner, hit 1st, jinked left at path on paddock bend and dropped to 3rd before next, not fluent 7th (water), hit 8th, 2nd again after 4 out, hit 3 out, driven and no impression when mistake next
Paul Nicholls has sent out five of the last seven winners so Sirabad will likely go well on his chasing bow having won over hurdles here back in March. But GOLDEN DOYEN will have benefited for his first experience of the larger obstacles when second at Market Rasen last month to the progressive Fox Norton. The Philip Hobbs runner is preferred to Stephanie Frances who had little chance up against The New One over timber at Kempton last time and makes her chasing debut. Ar Mad was well beaten over fences at Plumpton recently and looks up against it.
Ar Mad (FR) 4-1fav (11-2) Held up on outside, took keen hold, jumped right, closed 3rd, led 8th, headed 10th, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 8, 20 3/4l behind Andy Kelly (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Sirabad (FR) 10-11fav (11-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd, led, travelling well 2 out, in command last, stayed on run-in, ridden out, won at Sandown 2m (4) gs in Mar beating Seven Nation Army (11-1) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Golden Doyen (GER) 15-8fav (10-7) Tracked winner, switched inside and effort 2 out, soon one pace, 2 lengths down last, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Fox Norton (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (3) gd in Oct.
Stephanie Frances (IRE) 5-1fav (11-1) In touch, headway before 2 out, soon chasing winner, kept on well, 2nd of 5, 2l behind The New One (11-8) at Kempton 2m lst (1) gd in Oct.
