This represented a good test of stamina, run on borderline heavy ground, but a prominent position may have been an advantage as it avoided the bumping and barging in behind (and there was plenty of that). It was memorable for the success of a small Welsh stable and the fine effort of the 13yo runner-up, but the form itself is very useful at best and not the best this historic race has produced.
HAITI COULEURS (c149 here, 139 previously) improved plenty on the bare form of his Cheltenham win, posting a figure just outside the top 20 among novice chasers this season, and showed a superb attitude under a well-judged ride from his similarly admirable jockey, always in the first 2, jumping slowly at the 6th but notably well otherwise and staying on well to prevail. A race like the Welsh Grand National could be on the cards next term, and there is a reasonable chance there is more improvement to come. He was sweating profusely by the off.
ANY SECOND NOW (c145 here, 141 previously) ran a fine race to finish second in this for the second year running, also placed in the Aintree equivalent in 2021 and 2022, never far away, bumped 2 out and keeping on.
QUAI DE BOURBON (c150 here, 147 previously) did well to finish where he did given several mistakes, mid to prominent, close when bumped 2 out then no extra. He has not got many miles on the clock and should continue to be of interest if jumping does not hold him back.
DUNBOYNE (c132 here, 135 previously) did not quite get home at the trip under these conditions but ran respectably even so.
JOHNNYWHO (c139 here, 149 previously) seemed to find this just too much of a test, improving to be well there until weakening 2 out, and should still be of interest back at 24f/26f.
BETTER DAYS AHEAD (c145 here, 153 previously) was not discredited under a big weight.
SHECOULDBEANYTHING (c131+ here, 138 previously) failed to stay but shaped as if in really good heart for a long way under a patient ride.
ANOTHER CHOICE (c120 here, 135 previously)
BUSHMANS PASS (c118 here, 136 previously)
WILL DO (c114 here, 135 previously)
NOBLE BIRTH (c111 here, 129 previously)
MALINA GIRL (c0 here, 143 previously)
SEARCH FOR GLORY (c0 here, 147 previously)
MINT BOY (c0 here, 138 previously)
FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (c0 here, 145 previously)
BIOLUMINESCENCE (c0 here, 146 previously)
HARRY DES ONGRAIS (c0 here, 144 previously)
DUFFLE COAT (c0 here, 142 previously)
SEQUESTERED (c0 here, 143 previously)
DESERTMORE HOUSE (c0 here, 139 previously)
PANDA BOY (c0 here, 146 previously)
YEAH MAN (c0 here, 145 previously)
NOW IS THE HOUR (c0 here, 143 previously)
SA MAJESTE (c0 here, 145 previously)
LORD LARIAT (c0 here, ? previously)
STUZZIKINI (c0 here, 139 previously)
DAILY PRESENT (c0 here, 139 previously)
FINAL ORDERS (c0 here, 139 previously)
KINTURK KALANISI (c0 here, 144 previously) looked well-handicapped, and was backed accordingly, but weakened after making a succession of minor errors.
MOONOVERCLOON (c0 here, 135 previously)
