always prominent, led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on well
tracked leaders, headway 4 out, led approaching next, headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, ridden 3 out, never on terms
led to 7th, soon lost place, weakened from 4 out
held up in touch, outpaced approaching 3 out, soon no impression
close up on outside, disputed lead 5th, led 7th, ridden after 4 out, headed next, soon outpaced
soon behind, tailed off 3 out
Flake bids for his hat-trick here and is taken to do so, ahead of Dalriath and Moorlaw, whilst Richard Guest's Insurgent could also prove a live danger. Guest has a good record at the course, and his gelding could improve for his recent chasing debut at Fakenham. However, the selection is a proven performer and his latest win came in facile fashion and he could easily still be ahead of the handicapper. Regular jockey Tjade Collier takes off a valuable few pounds, and the gelding could be good enough to continue his flourishing chasing career with another win. Moorlaw is consistent if unspectacular, although he could be just aiming for place money again, and with his stable yet to hit form is easily passed over. Dalriath improved for a more patient ride three days ago at leicester, however it remains to be seen whather he is good enough to take this. For the winner then, we return to the in-form Flake who can gain his hat-trick.
Flake 11-4fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, headway 7th, led 4 out, clear 2 out, ridden out, comfortably, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs beating Hollows Mill (11-2) by 15l, 10 ran.
Moorlaw (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leader until 4th, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 9, 23l behind Nenuphar Collonges (11-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Feanor 11-1 (11-5) Held up, ridden approaching 4 out, no impression, 5th of 7, 17l behind Mystic Glen (10-8) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
Dalriath 33-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 3rd, led 5th, headed after 2 out, not quicken flat, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Desert Secrets (10-2) at Leicester 2m mrs nov chs (4) gs.
Major Blade (GER) 22-1 (11-1) Held up, hampered, mistake 2nd, rider lost iron, weakened 3 out, 4th of 7, 47l behind Brave Villa (11-4) at Hereford 2m nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
Insurgent (IRE) 5-2fav (10-3) Held up in rear, hampered 3rd, ridden 4 out, kept on to take 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Gipsy Cricketer (10-9) at Fakenham 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
Northern Flash 20-1 (10-4) Towards rear, ridden after 5 out, soon beaten, 6th of 7, 41l behind Mystic Glen (10-8) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd.
