chased leaders, not fluent 4th, slow 12th, soon lost touch, behind when pulled up before 14th
made all, jumped right throughout, drew clear before 3 out, canter
tracked leader, ridden to challenge after 4 out, soon weakened, fell 2 out
tracked leader, jumped right throughout, under pressure 13th, slow 5 out, weakened 3 out, moderate 2nd
MAKHZOON is difficult to oppose on today's favourable terms. He failed to complete last time but wasn't beaten far at Taunton before that and has plenty in hand with Galway Jack on official figures. The latter has only competed in hunter chase events so far but has given a good account with a couple of placed efforts and makes more appeal than How's D Strawboss, who has shown nothing in two starts over fences. Always Willing is a winning pointer making his debut under Rules after a lengthy absence and is probably best watched on this occasion.
Always Willing (IRE) 2-1 (12-0) Hdwy 14; pu aft 3 out, in a race won by Point Proven (12-0) at Brafield-on-the-green 3m ptp gd in Mar '10, 7 ran.
Galway Jack (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Keen and tracked leader until led 4th, clear with one other 6th, blundered 3 out and rider lost iron briefly, headed next, every chance when blundered last, rallied towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Rumbury Grey (11-9) at Leicester 2m 7f hts chs (3) gs in Mar.
How's D Strawboss (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) In rear, mistake and stumbled 2nd, ridden and losing touch when hit 7th, well behind 10th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Domtaline (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd, 7 ran.
Makhzoon (USA) 3-1 (11-0) Jumped right, tracked leaders, reminders 9th, lost ground 11th, jumped badly right 13th, soon struggling and pulled up approaching next, in a race won by American Cricket (11-0) at Fakenham 3m beg chase (3) gd in Mar, 5 ran.
