made all, joined briefly 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well
tracked leaders, ridden from 2 out, weakened flat
mid-division until lost touch 12th
tracked leaders, lost touch from 4 out
towards rear, lost touch 12th
mid-division, blundered badly and unseated rider 7th
mid-division, hit 7th, lost touch from 4 out
held up, smooth headway to challenge briefly 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace flat
towards rear, lost touch 12th
Nonrunner
Natiain and Minouchka are the two to concentrate on here and we think the former can prevail. A big run from Robbers Glen earlier on the card would boost his claims as the Alistair Brown trained gelding had that one three quarters of a length back in second when winning his penultimate start. He blundered away his chance at Cheltenham and there is a chance that that will have dented his confidence but a return to his favourite venue should see him go well. Minouchka has won her last three and never looked like being beaten in a maiden Hunter Chase at Leicester last time. This is tougher but she's clearly on good terms with herself and should go close. The experienced Harlov and Harrovian could have a say in the outcome but Natiain is our idea of the winner.
Natiain 12-1 (12-0) Mistakes 1st and 2nd, prominent until blundered 13th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Amicelli (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f hts chs (2) gs in Mar, 23 ran.
Harlov (FR) 5-1 (11-11) Held up in touch, headway 5 out, outpaced 3 out, rallied to chase winner next, hung left and kept on flat, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind A Boy Named Sioux (12-0) at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) gs in Mar.
Harrovian 4-1 (12-5) Stayed on one-pcd frm 2 out, 3rd of 8, 14l behind Gangsters R Us (12-5) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Kiora Bay 8-1 (11-3) In touch, effort 4 out, left 2nd next, soon ridden and one pace, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Andy Anshan (11-3) at Newcastle 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd in Mar.
Noshinannikin 20-1 (12-0) (ts) a bhnd; t.o, 7th of 9, well behind Ask Bobby (12-0) at Whittington 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Ocean Dancer 6-1 (11-8) Held up, ridden and outpaced from 4 out, stayed on flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Young Chevalier (10-12) at Doncaster 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Mar '04.
Sorkatcheguy (FR) 33-1 (12-0) Chsd ldrs; eff app 3 out; outpcd nxt, 4th of 9, 21l behind Ask Bobby (12-0) at Whittington 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Minouchka (FR) 1-2fav (10-7) Lft in ld 6; sn clr; unchall, won at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Itzacliche (11-0) by a runin, 6 ran.
Hapthor 7-1 (11-7) Chsd ldrs; went 2nd 15; outpcd aft nxt, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Farlington (12-0) at Overton 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Lauderdale 3-1 (12-0) Ss; bhnd til stayed on frm 15; nrst fin, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Harry Hooly (12-0) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar.
