chased leaders, pushed along briefly after 9th, went 2nd 12th, not fluent 4 out, well held from 2 out
jumped right, made all, clear 2 out, unchallenged
chased winner, not fluent 11th, lost 2nd next, weakened and mistake 4 out
NonRunner
NOTRE PARI was keeping good company over fences around the turn of the year. He won over hurdles in March and might just be the pick of the weights in this. Ecco has changed stables since making a winning start in chases at Uttoxeter while Could Be Trouble was beaten four lengths by Mortlach at Bangor, though she did well to get so close considering she came to a standstill after a blunder on the final circuit and she is 8lb better off here.
Notre Pari (IRE) 4-1 (11-13) Mid-division, some headway to track leaders before 3 out, driven along and kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Highway Companion (10-12) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in May.
Mortlach 4-6fav (11-4) Disputed lead until left in lead 5 out, pushed out, readily, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in May beating Could Be Trouble (11-10) by 4l, 4 ran.
Ecco 5-2 (10-5) Chased leaders, pushed along when not fluent 3 out, led before 2 out, slow last, ridden flat, all out, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr beating Statuario (10-3) by nk, 4 ran.
Could Be Trouble (IRE) 7-4 (11-10) Disputed lead with winner until slithered on landing 5 out and dropped to rear, rallied approaching 2 out, ridden to chase winner next, kept on one pace, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Mortlach (11-4) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in May.
