held up in rear, headway to take closer order after 9th, chased winner after 5 out, every chance last, one pace
jumped well, made all, stayed on gamely from last
in touch, ridden 13th, weakened next, pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, weakened 5 out
chased leaders, weakened 3 out
chased leaders, went 3rd after 5 out, one pace from 2 out
Hautclan gets the vote here with Bubble Boy and Elvis Returns rating the main dangers. The selection made all and won in good style last time out when beating Itsmyboy in a handicap that would have done his confidence the world of good and on his return to fencing under conditions that suit he looks the one to be on. Bubble Boy rates the main danger as he won well last time when beating Mister Apple's but this looks tougher and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Elvis Return's beat Shannon's Pride last time out but that rival is weighted to gain his revenge here. Of the remainder Denvale could go well at a price now his breathing has been sorted out but for the winner we return to Hautclan
Hautclan (FR) 6-1 (11-8) Made all, clear until after 3rd, reminder approaching 7th, drew clear again from 3 out, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Mar beating Itsmyboy (11-10) by 6l, 7 ran.
Bubble Boy (IRE) 11-4 (11-3) Led, headed approaching 2nd, led again 5th, hit last, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf beating Mister Apple's (10-4) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
Shannon's Pride (IRE) 3-1 (11-6) Made all, ridden approaching 3 out, driven out, won at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf beating Mister Apple's (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Denvale (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) Chased leaders after 2nd, led 9th, headed 11th, led again 12th, clear 2 out, gamely, won at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Mar beating Tank Buster (10-2) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Cool Cossack (IRE) 4-1fav (11-5) Chased leader, led 8th, ridden after 3 out, joined when mistake 2 out, headed final strides, 2nd of 15, nk behind Iwillrememberyou (10-7) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy in Feb.
Mister Apple's (FR) 4-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, outpaced 11th, rallied 4 out, chased winner approaching 3 out, chance last, one pace, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Shannon's Pride (11-6) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf.
Elvis Returns 13-2 (10-9) Tracked leader, led after 9th, made rest, drew clear from 3 out, won at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd beating Shannon's Pride (10-5) by 5l, 13 ran.
Jimmy Bond 7-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, outpaced 9th, ridden after 5 out, one pace and no impression from next, 4th of 7, 17l behind Three Mirrors (10-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf.
