tracked leader until 5th, outpaced approaching 4 out, unable to get back on terms, no extra flat
jumped slightly right at times, led until 13th, not fluent next, soon last and beaten, weakened before 4 out, tailed off
held up in last, not always fluent, headway after 14th, went 2nd 4 out, every chance next, ridden 2 out, lost 2nd and beaten last, no extra final 100 yards
raced in 4th, not fluent 8th, headway 13th, carrying head awkwardly when switched right before 3 out, responded to pressure to chase winner last, every chance flat, held towards finish
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led 13th, ridden 4 out, pressed flat, driven and stayed on well, in command towards finish
Only five runners in this opener but it's still a very tricky start for punters. Highway Code may well be the outsider as he's still a maiden over fences, though is potentially well treated on his hurdles form. Forever My Friend was easily brushed aside by Fairwood Massini at Ffos Las last week and is taking on better opposition now while dual course and distance winner Whistling Senator is another upped in class in search of a hat-trick. Papradon is now on a career-high mark and still capable of throwing in the odd stinker so we'll take the novice VICTOR LEUDORUM to continue his upward curve by defying top weight. He did well to get the better of the odds-on Captain Kelly here last time having chased home the useful Twirling Magnet at Bangor earlier.
Victor Leudorum (IRE) 6-4 (11-5) Tracked leading pair, effort 3 out, edged right between last 2, led last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd beating Captain Kelly (11-5) by 3l, 7 ran.
Papradon 12-1 (11-8) Made all, ridden after 3 out, 2 lengths ahead when left well clear last, eased towards finish, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gf beating Duneen Point (11-0) by 10l, 5 ran.
Highway Code (USA) 7-4 (11-1) Led and set fast pace, blundered 7th, headed before 4 out, beaten after next, 2nd of 6, 35l behind Changing The Guard (11-8) at Newton Abbot 2m nov chs (4) gf in Jul.
Forever My Friend (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, took closer order 5 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, stayed on same pace, approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Fairwood Massini (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Whistling Senator (IRE) 13-8fav (11-5) Chased leaders, not fluent 14th, went 2nd before 3 out, led flat, driven out, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul beating Brough Academy (11-8) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
