led to 2nd, tracked leader, blundered 4th, blundered badly 5 out, not recover, pulled up before 2 out
with leader, led 2nd, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakening when blundered 3 out
held up in rear, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 4 out, clear from next
held up in touch, not fluent 5th and 7th, quickly weakened next, pulled up before 4 out
Percussionist, Ange De Villez and Altay look the three to concentrate on in the beginners chase with the vote going to Percussionist. The selection was a fair sort over hurdles is sure to have been well schooled for this his chasing debut, hails from a yard in top form and will be hard to beat under conditions that suit. Ange De Villez rates the main danger on his best form but he was slightly disappointing for no apparent reason last time so he can not be put forward with any confidence. However, he has since had a breathing operation and could easily have improved so he should be noted in the market. Altay was third behind Grande Champette after a long abscence and, if he does not bounce, he would have definite place claims. Of the remainder Ela Re was in front of Altay last time and is another with place claims but he is more exposed than most and with this in mind for the winner we return to Percussionist who is taken to win this before going on to better things.
Altay 5-2 (11-0) In touch, pushed along and went remote 3rd 4 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Garde Champetre (11-0) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) gs.
Ange De Villez (FR) (10-10) Rear when pulled up behind Marble Garden (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 3f hcp hdl in Nov, 17 ran.
Ela Re 9-1 (11-0) Started slowly, led 2nd, soon clear, headed 2 out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Garde Champetre (11-0) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) gs.
Kayceecee (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Always prominent, ridden, hanging left approaching 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 16, 6l behind Manners (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Percussionist (IRE) 5-2 (11-8) Tracked winner until pushed along 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 3rd of 5, 27l behind Nous Voila (11-8) at Haydock 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Vintage Gold (USA) 14-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Ellerslie Tom (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Sept, 12 ran.
Character Building (IRE) 11-10fav (11-0) Always prominent, challenged 3 out, soon led, ridden last, idled near finish, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Apr beating General Hardi (10-11) by 1l, 13 ran.
