Jumped well but jumped left on occasions, made all, shaken up before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, went clear and good jump last, reduced lead but kept on well run-in, always doing enough (trainer's rep said, regarding the apparent improvement in form, that gelding benefitted from being able to jump more fences today, whilst at Aintree last time out, a significant number of fences were omitted; the explanation was noted) (tchd 22/1)
Took keen hold, held up in rear, not fluent 3rd, headway going okay 4 out, shaken up and outpaced 3 out, ridden after 3 out, ran on well from 2 out, went second last, nearest finish (tchd 14/1)
Towards rear, mistake and pushed along briefly 12th, not fluent 13th, hit 5 out, soon ridden, no impression from 2 out, went modest third run-in (op 5/2 tchd 2/1)
Jumped left on occasions, took keen hold, towards rear, headway and chased leaders 4th, not fluent 10th, mistake 5 out, went second but bit short of room on turn after 4 out, ridden 3 out, no extra and lost two places from last (op 16/1)
Towards rear, headway on outer when not fluent 5 out, weakened quickly 4 out, soon eased and pulled up (following an enquiry into the gelding's poor performance, jockey said the gelding was never travelling; trainer's rep could offer no explanation) (op 9/4)
Held up in behind leaders, not fluent 10th, lost position and reminders 13th, ridden and dropped to last 5 out, detached when pulled up after 4 out, burst blood vessel (vet said gelding had bled from the nose) (op 8/1)
9 ran
Off time:
3:00:08
Winning time:
6m 1.30s (slow by 9.30s)
Total SP:
115%