Expert Analysis

This proved fairly easy pickings for the odds-on Threeunderthrufive, who gave weight and a beating to a handful of rivals, not needing to improve on previous form but once again confirming himself smart. The pace he set was a bit on the steady side, as reflected by a finishing speed of 103.8% where par is nearer to 100%.   

THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE (c150 here and previously) made it four wins in a row in small-field novice chases, this a second consecutive Grade 2, though he did not have to run significantly better than previously even with a penalty against rather limited opposition, making all and jumping soundly, mostly 2 to 3 lengths up until extending that 3 out and in command for sure, kept up to his work most of the way. There are a few better than him in the staying novice division though he could avoid most of them if going for the National Hunt Chase rather than what used to be the RSA.

DOYEN BREED (c142 here and previously) ran well again and has quickly made into a better chaser than hurdler, tracking the pace and looking like he might drop away 3 out, rallying at the death like one who will get marathon distances.

ANY NEWS (c133 here, 138 previously) failed to convince with his stamina for 24f though did run respectably, held up in last and making only brief headway around 3 out and no extra in the home straight.

MINT CONDITION (c121 here, 138 previously) was below form, not always fluent and niggled quite early, though staying in touch until before 3 out.

MOSSY FEN (c0 here, 122 previously) offered little on his first start in 14 months, in touch though wide until a couple of mistakes and weakening before pulled up 4 out when out of contention.