held up in touch, weakened before 3 out
led, took keen hold, ridden 3 out, headed after 2 out, one pace
prominent, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next
held up mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, faded before next
held up mid-division, headway 3 out, led after 2 out, headed flat, no extra
always behind
held up, jumped left 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
held up, headway after 4 out, weakened before 2 out
tracked leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon faded
behind, headway before 3 out, soon ridden and no chance after
held up mid-division, good headway 3 out, chasing leaders after next, weakened flat
mid-division, struggling halfway, soon beaten
held up, ridden and headway 3 out, led after last, ran on
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace
held up, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, stayed on same pace approaching last
held up mid-division, effort after 3 out, never on terms
held up mid-division, pulled hard ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
It may be worth chancing a small investment with Ishka Baha, who is likely to represent more value than the penalised North Lodge, while Rebel Raider and Danebank are others that merit respect. Step Perfect is another to bear in mind, although he failed to live up to his name when unshipping his rider at Wetherby on his latest start. He had previously been progressive and should not be ruled out too quickly here. Danebank has ability and should be able to make his presence felt at the business end. However, he does have to give plenty of weight away and, as he was seventh in this race last year, it is safe to assume that others have a bit more scope for improvement at this stage. Rebel Raider has a good record of making the frame over hurdles and is a definite for the shortlist in his company. He is fit from the Flat and he holds solid each-way claims today. North Lodge has taken time to adjust since he arrived from Germany last year. However, it came together well for him at Hereford ten days ago and he has to be respected despite being set to carry a 7lb penalty. The same can be said of Caesarean Hunter, who bolted up in a similar contest at Exeter last week. This is slightly tougher though and he needs to find a little more from somewhere. Therefore, in the search for a value option, we turn to Ishka Baha, who is expected to have come on for her reappearance at Leicester 25 days ago. Tom George has done really well with similar types of late and, with his string absolutely flying, Ishka Baha can give us a good run for the money in a very tough one to call.
Danebank (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, led 2 out, headed last, one pace, 3rd of 15, 9l behind Petwick (11-8) at Warwick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Nov.
Rebel Raider (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Close up, led 3 out, ridden and soon headed, effort approaching last, no extra flat, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Alph (11-1) at Fakenham 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd in Nov.
Miss Pross 9-2 (10-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden when mistake last, no extra flat, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Honest Endeavour (10-11) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Nov.
North Lodge (GER) 3-1jt-fav (11-1) In touch, closer order 4th, with clear leader 2 out, kept on well to lead soon after last, driven out, won at Hereford 2m 1f amt hcp hdl (F) gd in Nov beating City Palace (9-13) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Indian Solitaire (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Behind, headway 7th, ridden after 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Little Brave (10-8) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) gd in Nov.
Barranco (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) In touch, weakened under pressure before 3 out, 4th of 11, 16l behind Paddy Boy (10-4) at Folkestone 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Caesarean Hunter (USA) 8-1 (10-10) Held up behind, headway 6th, ridden to lead 3 out, driven clear approaching left, stayed on, won at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (F) sft beating Bally Bolshoi (11-0) by 13l, 11 ran.
Bestam 33-1 (11-1) Behind, headway approaching 2 out, every chance when hit last, not quicken towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Killing Me Softly (11-12) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) sft.
