held up towards rear, headway 5 out, chased leaders 3 out, stayed on under pressure to challenge approaching last, ridden to lead flat, kept on
led to 3rd, chased leaders until lost place 7th, soon behind, tailed off
tracked leaders on inside, led 11th, hard pressed 3 out, ridden and headed before next, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, lost place 5 out, outpaced when mistake next, soon weakened, tailed off
tracked leaders, lost place and behind when mistake 6th, headway on outside 9th (water), challenged 11th, lost place after 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 12th, went 3rd after 4 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, led soon after, kept on until headed and no extra flat
always behind
mid-division on outside, headway and in touch 8th, outpaced after 4 out, weakened next, behind when fell heavily 2 out
tracked leader, led 3rd until hit and headed 11th, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division on inside, outpaced when hit 5 out, stayed on under pressure to chase leaders 3 out, weakened before next
mid-division, headway to track leaders 5 out, challenged next, jumped right 3 out, led narrowly before next, headed soon after, ridden and weakened before last
mid-division, outpaced 11th, weakened before 3 out, tailed off
behind, headway into mid-division 7th, weakened 4 out
chased leaders, lost place 10th, soon struggling, weakened 4 out
Nonrunner
Jonjo O'Neill holds a very strong hand in the last race with BOB HALL and Good Company and it's the first mentioned who can out gun his stable mate and Distant Thunder. There is no doubt in our mind that Bob Hall is the best horse in the race but he is far from bomb proof. His jumping can be sloppy and these Cheltenham fences will certainly test him. It's also a worry that his last run here was disappointing but today's smaller field will help his cause. Good Company is another from the O'Neill yard and also holds a live chance. The drop in trip should not be a problem on this course and with an inexperienced 7lb claimer booked he is receiving quite a bit of weight from the selection. He is also sure to run well. The old boy, Distant Thunder, is another to keep on your side as he his still capable of winning in this sphere. He has also run well on the course which is a huge asset to have. His recent form is not bad either so he must be monitored. Mighty Matters is coming back from a lengthy break but if the force of old he could get into contention along with Mustangsallyrally but Bob Hall gets the vote.
Bob Hall (IRE) 5-2 (12-6) Held up in rear, steady headway to 4th at 11th, went 3rd at 13th, led on inside going best 2 out, soon in command, stayed on well, won at Ascot 2m 5f hts chs (5) gd in Apr beating Jurado Express (12-1) by 12l, 11 ran.
Launde (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) In touch, led 2nd to 5th, ridden and lost place next, no impression from 3 out, 4th of 6, 19l behind Devils River (10-12) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Apr.
Mustangsallyrally (IRE) 7-4 (12-0) (cp) ap; led 11 til hdd aft 4 out; no ex bet last 2, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Thisthatandtother (12-0) at Badbury Rings 3m ptp gf in Apr.
Fergal's Find (IRE) 1-3 (11-0) (tt) 2nd til led 10; easy, won at Andoversford 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Caught At Dawn (11-0) by 12l, 3 ran.
Power King (IRE) 5-1 (12-7) Fell 1, in a race won by Grey Kid (12-7) at Bonvilston 3m ptp gf in Apr, 7 ran.
Distant Thunder (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 13th, led approaching 4 out, headed last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Whataboutya (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f hts chs (5) gf in Apr.
Dr Cerullo 1-6 (12-0) Made all; canter, won at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd in Apr beating Fenny Lily (11-7) by 12l, 4 ran.
Gentleman Anshan (IRE) 5-4 (12-0) Held up; eff 12; wknd 15; pu 3 out, in a race won by Pocket Park (11-7) at Guilsborough 3m ptp gf in Apr, 10 ran.
Holy Joe (FR) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leader until 4 out, relegated to 5th 3 out, stayed on one pace to go 3rd 2 out, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Farmer Frank (11-13) at Towcester 2m hts chs (6) hvy in Apr.
John Diamond (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) Nvr on terms, 5th of 11, 23l behind Strong Weld (12-6) at Chaddesley Corbett 3m ptp gf in Apr.
Mighty Matters (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) In touch until blundered and unseated rider 9th, in a race won by Gwanako (11-8) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gd in Apr '08, 29 ran.
Molostiep (FR) 6-4 (12-7) Prom til wknd aft 14, 3rd of 9, 35l behind Overlut (12-7) at Siddington 3m ptp gd in Mar.
New Street Express (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) Led to 4; chall 2 out; no ex flat, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Sheknowsyouknow (11-11) at Catsfield 3m ptp fm in Apr.
Some Timbering (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, headway after 8th, no impression approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 29l behind Farmer Frank (11-13) at Towcester 2m hts chs (6) hvy in Apr.
Good Company (IRE) 4-5fav (11-12) Held up in rear, headway 7th, went 2nd 4 out, challenged winner after 3 out, upsides 2 out, soon ridden, mistake last, not able to recover, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Farmer Frank (11-13) at Towcester 2m hts chs (6) hvy in Apr.
