Reporter: Simon Rowlands
A typically small field for this Grade 2 but it probably represents smart novice form, from the winner at least, a strong pace leading to the beaten horses finishing slowly but the winner striding clear in a good overall time (4.0s faster than 152-rated Sam Brown managed later on) and with solid late splits of 59.22s/104.1% finishing speed for the final 4f.
GREY DAWNING (c155 here, 152+ previously) had probably been unlucky in a strong contest at Cheltenham the time before and seemed to run even better here, turning in one of the best performances by a British-trained novice chaser this season. He was sensibly ridden patiently, though never all that far off the pace, was produced to lead after 3 out, shifted left at the next and was awkward when already drawing clear at the last, able to coast late on. He looks to have a fair chance of at least placing in the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival.
APPLE AWAY (c132 here, 141 previously) ran a bit better than the result, paying in the end for such a forceful ride, disputing/leading until after 3 out, slightly hampered at the next, then no extra soon after. She made a mistake around halfway but was mostly solid enough otherwise in that department.
BROADWAY BOY (c128 here, 148 previously) could not transfer his Cheltenham form to this different course, which rewards slick jumping more than resolute galloping, best forgiven this in the longer term. He disputed early then remained prominent but made minor mistakes when the chips were down and was quickly beaten after 3 out.
THE CHANGING MAN (c107 here, 145 previously) ran poorly in the end but still looks to be favourably treated if switched to handicaps (split Stay Away Fay and Grey Dawning at Exeter on the trio’s chasing debuts), close up until weakening quickly 4 out.
CARBON KING (c0 here, 123 previously)
