tracked leader, led narrowly 11th, ridden and headed 3 out, kept on one pace
in touch in rear, went 3rd 7th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, weakened next
tracked leader until 7th, outpaced from 11th, kept on to go remote 3rd 3 out
led, narrowly headed 11th, led again 3 out, clear next, comfortable
RUSSIAN FLAG gets the verdict. Neil King's gelding had a great season just gone, and has suggested in two runs this time around that he can win off this mark of 129. He has no problem with a small field, and his tactical two mile pace may see him take advantage of this small field in which there is no obvious pacesetter. Five Dream has a touch of class but this talented rogue is probably high enough in the handicap and he has a habit of finding one too good. Enlightenment needs to get over a Ffos Las tumble but it was a worry to see him fitted with cheek-pieces on that occasion. Matuhi has new surroundings at Pond House and he is fully respected off a mark of 125 now going handicapping; a tongue-tie is an intriguing addition for this debut for the yard.
Five Dream (FR) 15-2 (10-3) Tracked leaders, mistake 1st, not fluent and lost place 6th, not fluent 10th, headway 4 out, stayed on well flat, not able to reach wnner, 2nd of 15, 1 1/4l behind Silmi (9-11) at Market Rasen 2m 6f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Sep.
Russian Flag (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Held up behind, hampered 9th, headway 4 out, chased leading trio next, went 3rd last, ridden and kept on flat, no impression, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Just Smudge (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Oct.
Enlightenment (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear next, fell last, in a race won by Moon Over Miami (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs, 6 ran.
Matuhi 3-1 (11-4) Tracked winner and keen, blundered 1st, in 2nd and weakening when fell 4 out, in a race won by Latanier (11-8) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Apr, 5 ran.
