tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along after 4 out, left 5 lengths 2nd 2 out, one pace and eased towards finish
led, not fluent and headed 3rd, tracked leader, going well in 2nd when fell
tracked leader, led 3rd, mistake next, left 5 lengths clear 2 out, clear flat
A slightly disappointing turnout for this novice chase and Contraband is taken to get the better of Town Crier and Raw Silk. The Martin Pipe-trained selection has shown a very good level of form over fences so far, not least on his latest start when beaten eight lengths by the impressive Fundamentalist at Cheltenham. This represents a drop in grade and he looks to hold a leading chance. Town Crier has done pretty well over fences, beating Kadount at Wetherby and then finishing second to Chauvinist at Aintree, while Jack Martin has had only one, inauspicious run over fences although he has won over hurdles from a mark of 103. Raw Silk finished second to the well-regarded Vista Verde at Leicester last time and the form is solid enough although Contraband sets the benchmark in that respect and is the one they all have to beat.
