led to 4th, led again from 9th, blundered badly and headed 10th, soon pulled up
with leader, keen, led from 4th, headed 9th, led again and left alone after 10th
A couple of early mistakes failed to put off Loose Preformer, who stayed on stoutly to score on his chasing bow at Leicester and clearly gets on well with Jeremiah McGrath, who takes off 5lb here. Nicky Henderson's six-year-old has scope for further improvement but is taken on here with EDGE OF TOWN. Donald McCain's eight-year-old may not have beaten much on his chasing debut at Hexham but travelled powerfully throughout and, as that was his first run for 21 months, there is probably more in the locker. Beneficial Reform couldn't cope with a rejuvenated Air Force One over a longer trip here last time but that was no disgrace and James Ewart's charge should also make his presence felt but the mare China House may find this company too hot.
Edge of Town (IRE) 11-4 (10-11) Disputed lead, lead briefly 8th, led before 13th, drew clear before last, eased right down towards finish, won at Hexham 2m 7f Novice Handicap Chase (0-135) (4yo+) (3) hvy in Dec beating Bescot Springs (11-4) by 32l, 4 ran.
Loose Preformer (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, led 7th, made most after, raced wide on bend before 9th, blundered 11th, hard pressed 4 out, driven and stayed on from 2 out, won at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Dec beating Quentin Collonges (11-0) by 5l, 6 ran.
Beneficial Reform (IRE) 5-2fav (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 4 out, ridden between last hard pressed last, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Air Force One (11-12) at Doncaster 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec.
China House (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Led until after 3rd, stayed prominent, one pace 2 out, no impression, 4th of 12, 16l behind Stormy Morning (11-6) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Dec.
