held up mid-division, took closer order 5th, ridden before 3 out, chased winner from next, kept on and always held
with leaders, led 9th, headed before 5 out, led 4 out, blundered last, kept on driven out
held up towards rear, headway before 5 out to chase leaders, weakened before 3 out
close up, led before 5 out, headed 4 out, ridden and weakened before 2 out
with leader, led 4th, headed 9th, weakening when unseated rider 4 out
led to 4th, blundered 8th and soon in rear, unseated rider 5 out
held up towards rear, chased leaders before 3 out, kept on same pace
always behind, pulled up
UN NOBLE overcame a few mistakes to land a Southwell handicap over this trip last month and with a better round his stamina should come into play. He gets the nod though Gold Opera was having only his second start over fences when scoring at Newcastle on testing ground. He stayed this trip over hurdles so should have no problems here. Kilbree Chief couldn't catch Lord Wishes at Kelso but had the remainder well beaten and as that was his chasing debut he should improve. The Orange Rogue was unfortunate to be beaten at Newcastle then found stepping up in trip beyond him on a return visit. He can get into the frame again but winning hurdler Wolf Sword has shown nothing in his two starts over fences. Kilmainham was disputing the lead when unseating his rider at Hexham in November and a similar effort should see him in the mix though he went up 6lb for the effort.
Kilbree Chief (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) In touch, pushed along halfway, soon lost place, rallied 2 out, chased winner last, never a threat, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Lord Wishes (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Un Noble (FR) 2-1 (11-12) Tracked leader until 3rd, tracked leaders, pushed along in 2nd after 4 out, closed approaching 2 out, soon ridden, led run-in, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Iona Days (11-9) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Gold Opera (IRE) 2-1jfav (10-12) Tracked leaders, lost place and behind after 3rd, chased leaders under pressure before 3 out, soon ridden, 4 lengths down in 2nd at last, hung left soon after, led flat, kept on, won at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Island Confusion (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Wolf Sword (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Held up in rear, soon detatched, headway 2 out, never nearer, 5th of 7, 21 3/4l behind Nautical Twilight (11-0) at Catterick 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Hellorboston (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Led until 3rd, led 6th, headed 8th, 3rd and well held when mistake 2 out, plugged on flat, 3rd of 6, 6 1/4l behind Pandy Wells (10-0) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
The Orange Rogue (IRE) 4-1 (10-10) Led, headed narrowly 14th, kept on same pace, no chance with winner before last, lost modest 2nd flat, 3rd of 6, 16 1/4l behind Alto Des Mottes (11-0) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Vinny Gambini (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) In touch, ridden to challenge 3 out, never a threat, 4th of 9, 28 3/4l behind Caraline (10-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Kilmainham (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway before 6 out, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and upsides winner when mistake and unseated rider last, at Hexham 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.
