Orpen Wide chased clear leader to 7th, stayed on to take 2nd again after 3 out and soon closed, led between final 2, forged clear

Gentle John led and soon clear, still 8 lengths clear 3 out, tired soon after, headed between final 2, mistake last

Fandani chased leading pair, mistakes 4th and 5th, went 2nd from 7th until weakened after 3 out, finished tired, dismounted

The Preacher immediately hopelessly tailed off, allowed to amble round fences behind

This was not a great novice chase by Ascot standards but it was still a pretty warm one for the backend of the season. Gentle John ensured the race was run at a proper gallop and that played into the hands of the grand ORPEN WIDE, who plodded on at his one pace to claim the contest between the final two fences.

A superb servant to connections, the winner has been a multiple scorer over the years and his excellent third in an admittedly substandard Grade 2 here in January highlighted his ability. Ground that is good or quicker suits him ideally, so at this stage of the season it’s entirely feasible that he could go in again under a penalty in an ordinary novice chase.

Fandani, who finished lame, failed to build on his Leicester win, in no small part because of some sloppy jumping. However, he was at least put in the race, unlike The Preacher, who was never asked to go with the pace and was a fence behind before the halfway point was reached. This looked very bad indeed.

Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.

Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.