led until 1st, led next, headed when blundered 4th, soon unseated rider
chased leaders, 2nd briefly 5th but steadied behind front pair, nipped up inside when bumped and led 2 out, drew clear flat, comfortably
chased leaders, slow 5th, soon definite 2nd, mistake 7th, driven after 3 out, 3rd and held last, weakened flat
led 1st until next, led 4th, driven after 3 out, bumped and headed 2 out, weakened flat
NonRunner
STATUARIO ran well for second at Uttoxeter on his chasing debut. He’s been raised 3lb but Peter Bowen’s charge should be bang there at the finish once again. Jaboticaba finished runner-up over track and trip off today’s mark last year but hasn’t raced since March while Le Grand Fromage is expected to improve now tackling the larger obstacles for the first time. Purple King has won three times over timber and is another to note on his chasing bow.
Purple King (IRE) 11-4 (10-5) In rear, ridden before 3 out, plugged on after last, 4th of 5, 16 1/4l behind Beyond The Clouds (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Jaboticaba (FR) 7-2 (11-12) Raced wide tracking leading pair, went 2nd approaching 3 out until next, no extra in 3rd, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Top Decision (10-2) at Doncaster 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Fairway Freddy (IRE) 18-1 (10-8) Last pair, not always fluent, outpaced in 4th 3 out, no impression, 4th of 5, 12 3/4l behind Champagne Court (11-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Falcon Sun (FR) 9-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, progress on outside 7th, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 15, 33 1/4l behind Caswell Bay (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Statuario 16-1 (11-10) Led until 1st, chased leaders, closed 6th, challenged 4 out, held flat, kept on, 2nd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Havana Hermano (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Le Grand Fromage 17-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, every chance last (normal 2 out), weakened on extended run-in, 7th of 14, 11 3/4l behind Flight Deck (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
