jumped right at times, led, mistake and headed 16th, in front again after 4 out, mistake and headed 3 out, soon weakened
jumped well, tracked leader, led on inside 3 out, clear after next, stayed on well, very easily
tracked leaders, led 16th until after 4 out, chased winner from next, ridden and beaten when hung left between last 2, mistake last
Monbeg Theatre got off the mark over fences at the sixth attempt at Hereford. He has only two rivals again and is only 2lb higher but his form doesn’t compare with that of PRIME VENTURE, who is getting 3lb. The latter is 0-12 over the larger obstacles but was fourth in last year’s Welsh Grand National and a repeat of that effort would suffice. Jack Devine has finished second twice at Catterick but will probably be the outsider in this.
Monbeg Theatre (IRE) 6-4 (11-8) Led narrowly, slow 9th and headed, pressed leader 4 out, regained lead 3 out, led narrowly 2 out, pushed along and 3-lengths clear approaching last, maintained the advantage on the run-in, won at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (3) gf in Oct beating Darlac (11-1) by 4 1/2l, 3 ran.
Prime Venture (IRE) 9-1 (10-4) Held up in touch, weakened 21st, behind when pulled up before 2 out, at Uttoxeter 4m 2f hcp lst (1) hvy in Mar.
Jack Devine (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, nudged to lead after 3 out, joined last and soon headed, gamely chased home winner, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind I'd Better Go Now (10-9) at Perth 3m hcp (3) gd in Sep.
