tracked leader, hit 3rd and not fluent next, pressing from 7th, led as leader blundered badly 4 out, drew well clear before 2 out, easily
raced freely in lead, over jumped and stumbled 2nd, pressed from 7th, blundered badly, almost unseated rider and headed 4 out, beaten before 2 out and lost 2nd last
held up well adrift of front pair, slowest from 2 out, took 2nd last, never near winner
Nonrunner
It will be disappointing if GAUVAIN can't get the better of the toothless Predateur whilst the remainder are playing for place money. Predateur was long held in high esteem by his yard but a variety of operations have failed to yield dividends although it is interesting that they continue to persevere. He won very easily at Uttoxeter and may conceivably be over his problems but, in truth, he had nothing to beat. There'd be a worry that a busy season could take it's toll on Gauvain as he showed little at Aintree following a praiseworthy performance in the Arkle. He's presumably giving Charlie Mann all the right signs though and they'll be keen to sign off for the season on a positive note. If that pair come off the rails then Sebastiano is the likely beneficiary despite this ground being faster than ideal but, all being well, this will go to Gauvain.
Gauvain (GER) 14-1 (11-4) Always behind, pulled up after 6th, tailed off, in a race won by Tartak (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd, 8 ran.
Predateur (FR) 5-6fav (11-0) Jumped well, raced enthusiastically, led 2nd, cleared 10th, unchallenged, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd in Mar beating Sandhurst (11-0) by 12l, 3 ran.
Sebastiano (FR) 5-1 (11-11) Held up, ridden after 9th, some late progress, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 17l behind Huguenot (11-2) at Newton Abbot 2m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.
Knock Boy (IRE) 5-1 (10-6) In touch, raced keenly, left chasing winner 12th, ridden after 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Kikos (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m 4f 5yo nov hcp (4) gf in Mar.
She's Humble (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) In touch, headway into 5th 10th, 3rd travelling okay 3 out, effort on inside 2 out, soon driven, found no extra, 4th of 11, 11l behind Sula's Legend (11-9) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
