tracked leaders, hit 13th, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
always in rear, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
led to 4 out, kept on onepaced, no chance with winner
tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden clear approaching last, eased towards finish
A disappointing turnout for this hunters' chase with just the five runners set to face the starter and, with Maitre de Musique clearly on the downgrade now, Bold Statement should prove to be too good for his rivals, the best of who looks to be Master Jock. The selection has failed to trouble the judge in two starts since a comfortable point-to-point success but a nine-length second to MacGeorge reads well in the context of this race and, having been outclassed behind County Derry at Uttoxeter last time, he should appreciate this drop in class. Master Jock has a similar profile to the selection and lost no caste in defeat behind Earthmover last time but his overall form does not match that of Bold Statement. Winning pointer Emperor Roscoe makes his debut in hunter chase company and is difficult to weigh up, while Hag's Way looks out of his depth.
