took keen hold, held up behind leaders, went 2nd after 8th, led 12th, wandered into last, ridden and in command flat
chased leader until blundered 8th, not fluent 11th or 12th, outpaced 3 out, went 3rd last
led, headed 12th, not fluent 3 out, no extra 2 out
whipped round start and lost many lengths, in touch in rear by 2nd, left 2nd briefly 8th, not fluent 10th, went 2nd again before 4 out, ridden when mistake 2 out, no impression flat
Without a win over hurdles, CHIEF BLACK ROBE is unbeaten in three starts over fences since joining Fergal O’Brien. The ease of his latest success at Newton Abbot suggests he’s still ahead of the handicapper and can go in again. Tiger Orchid made a winning debut over fences when scoring over track and trip. The favourite and previous Huntingdon winner Hardy Boy was pulled-up behind the former while Moon King makes his chasing bow having won off a higher mark over timber.
Chief Black Robe (IRE) 2-7fav (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 9th, led 12th, 1 length ahead and going best when left well clear 2 out, won at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Balko Saint (11-11) by 18l, 4 ran.
Tiger Orchid (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) Held up behind leaders, not much room 1st, headway 9th, challenged 4 out, led 3 out, clear inside final 100 yards, stayed on, won at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Jun beating Jet Smart (11-7) by 5l, 6 ran.
Moon King (FR) 9-2 (11-9) Led after 1st, headed after 2nd, in touch, pushed along 4 out, beaten before 2 out, 5th of 8, 10 3/4l behind Name In Lights (11-13) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Hardy Boy (FR) 11-8fav (11-13) Reluctant, half whipped round and left start, pulled up after about 50 yards, at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Jun.
