chased winner to 2 out, ridden to regain 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
jumped well, made all, clear 4 out to last, comfortably
tracked leaders, went 2nd 2 out until after last, no extra under pressure
Nonrunner
The long journey from Somerset could pay dividends as far as the connections of Standin Obligation with Ever Present being the only other horse in the race to threaten his chances of success. A winner of six races from eight starts over hurdles Standin Obligation has his first run over the bigger obstacles today. Martin Pipe has a good record with his first time out chasers and he will have been schooled extensively. With a clear round he wins. Ever Present has not disgraced on his two starts over fences finishing third on his debut and then winning at Ayr last time out. His hurdle form is not in the same league as the selection but with fencing experience on his side he is respected. The other two in the race Roobihoo and Mounthooley will fight out third prize money only. So for the winner we return to Standin Obligation.
Roobihoo (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Led to 3rd, tracked leader, lost place 7th, soon ridden and outpaced, behind from 3 out, last of 13, well behind Brooklyn Brownie (10-9) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Apr.
Standin Obligation (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, steady headway on outside from 3 out, chased leaders between last 2, led approaching last, drew clear flat, won at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl 0-145 (1) gd in Apr beating Rimsky (10-12) by 7l, 18 ran.
Brundeanlaws 100-1 (9-11) Behind, hampered 2nd, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 38l behind Bellaney Jewel (10-9) at Kelso 3m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Apr.
Ever Present (IRE) 10-11fav (11-3) Tracked leader, led 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, held on well, won at Ayr 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft in Mar beating See You There (11-0) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Mounthooley 25-1 (10-0) Not fluent, led to 3rd, chased leader, lost place 10th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 10, 43l behind Clouding Over (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (3) gf in Apr.
