close up in 3rd, ridden 2 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on one pace
led, ridden and pressed 3 out, headed soon after next, kept on same pace
tracked leader, pressed leader 3 out, led soon after next, ridden out gamely
NonRunner
NonRunner
Cliffside Park won a similar race here last month but couldn't quite get to Octagon at Southwell a couple of weeks ago. Serenity Now had been running moderately on the Flat before returning to hurdles with a fair effort in a Huntingdon claimer when conceding 12lb to the winner. This will be his debut at this lowly level and he should get into contention. The veteran Occasionally Yours has returned to action after a long break in cracking form and arrives with a 7lb penalty for last week's victory in a Class 5 handicap at Huntingdon. He's another taking a drop in class and can make a bold bid for career victory number ten but NAUTICAL NITWIT can outclass these. Philip Kirby's charge hasn't won since February but has been operating at a much higher level including a Class 2 handicap at Aintree last time. His stable companion Minstrel Royal was beaten in a similar contest to this at Stratford in September.
Serenity Now (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, not much room 2nd, closed 5th, switched right 2 out, went close 2nd last, no impression inside final 100 yards, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Ascendant (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m (5) gd in Nov.
Minstrel Royal 50-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, 6th and beaten when mistake last, 7th of 11, 9 1/2l behind Diamond Fort (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Occasionally Yours (IRE) 22-1 (11-12) Close up, hampered 2nd, led before 2 out, ridden and ran on, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp (5) gd in Nov beating Cheltenam De Vaige (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
Nautical Nitwit (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, blundered 4 out, struggling before 2 out, 6th of 10, 19l behind Louis' Vac Pouch (10-6) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Cliffside Park (IRE) 7-4 (11-4) In touch in 4th, headway before 4 out chased winner after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on from last, held towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Octagon (10-12) at Southwell 2m (5) gd in Nov.
