tracked leaders, led after 4 out, soon clear, easily
tracked leader until before 7 out, ridden 5 out, soon outpaced, plugged on to chase winner from last, no impression
led, blundered 7 out, headed after 4 out, weakened before 3 out
in rear, blundered 7th, soon reminders and struggling, lost place after 9th, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
There may only be four runners in this hunter chase but it’s not a bad contest. MONSIEUR GIBRALTAR knows where the winning post is, however, and can add to his latest victory at Wincanton, which has been franked. Stellar Notion won twice between the flags in January so can’t be ignored while Delegate was beaten under a length in another small field at Ludlow eight days ago. Flaming Charmer won a handicap at Chepstow in November but is having a first run for a new stable.
Monsieur Gibraltar (FR) 10-11fav (12-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, jumped right and not fluent 10th, led 3 out, clear next, easily, won at Wincanton 2m 4f (6) gd in Feb beating Risk A Fine (12-4) by 9l, 5 ran.
Stellar Notion (IRE) 2-5fav (12-5) Made all; lft solo 4, won at Larkhill 3m gd in Jan
Delegate 7-2 (12-0) Tracked leader, led 3rd, mistake 4th, hit 7th, jumped left 3 out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Hidden Charmer (11-10) at Ludlow 2m 4f (5) gd in Apr.
Flaming Charmer (IRE) 22-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, under pressure 5 out, weakened 3 out, 8th of 10, dist behind Reikers Island (11-12) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
