in touch, mistake 5th, tracked leader from 6th, ridden after 2 out and weakened
led, ridden and headed after 2 out, two lengths down approaching last, led again flat, all out towards finish
in rear, mistake 2nd, blundered 7th, behind when pulled up before 9th
tracked leaders, lost place and weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, steady headway 4 out, ridden 2 out, weakened soon after
mid-division and fell 4th
held up, steady headway 4 out, mistake 3 out, chased leading pair approaching last and weakened
tracked leaders, mistake 2 out, led soon after, mistake last when very tired and followed kink in rail and soon headed, lost momentum and rallied close home
held up, weakened 8th, pulled up before next
Nonrunner
ALDERLUCK and The Old Pretender are the two to concentrate on although don't be surprised if we see an improved performance from Majic Moments. Alderluck shaped with promise on debut and is unbeaten in three subsequent starts. Defeats of Ballydub and Vodka Brook in bumpers reads well enough in light of their performances over hurdles but his defeat of a decent yardstick in Finney on his hurdling bow reads well enough in the context of this race. The Old Pretender impressed on debut but came up short behind Mad Max at Newbury and returned a beaten favourite on his hurdling bow in a race that may not have been run to suit. Awesome George was twenty two lengths adrift in third and he has won and gone close in two Cheltenham handicaps since then so that helps to put the run in a positive light but the yard's form is a worry. Charlie Longsdon's yard is in much better form than when Majic Moments made his debut in a Chepstow bumper and it would be no surprise were this Irish point winner to fare much better over obstacles. The first two set a useful standard though and we'll take Alderluck to continue his winning spree.
Alderluck (IRE) 4-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, ridden when headed and stumbled 2 out, mistake last, kept on gamely to lead close home, won at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Finney (10-12) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Fruity O'Rooney 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden to dispute 3rd approaching 2 out, weakening when mistake last, 7th of 15, 26l behind Missoula (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
King of Java 12-1 (10-11) Raced wide, close up until ridden and weakened 3f out, 6th of 11, 19l behind Deep Reflection (11-4) at Lingfield 2m nhf (H) pol in Dec '05.
Light Entertainer 100-1 (10-9) Always in rear, 13th of 16, well behind Cross Kennon (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (4) gs in Nov.
Majic Moments (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened 4f out, tailed off, 12th of 15, well behind Bella Haze (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Mirafra 20-1 (10-7) Hampered start, ridden 10f out, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 38l behind Neil Harvey (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Mr Bojangels (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Always behind, tailed off, 14th of 15, well behind Bella Haze (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Rear Gunner (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 3rd until ridden after 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 15, 22l behind Missoula (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
The Old Pretender (IRE) 13-8fav (10-12) Led, hit 2nd, ran wide on paddock bend, ridden and headed well before last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Martys Mission (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Waldo Pepper (IRE) 66-1 (11-6) Chased leader, ridden 7th, soon lost touch, 9th of 14, well behind Chariot Charger (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Migigi 20-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 7th, led briefly between last 2, disputing well held one pace 2nd last, weakened run-in, 3rd of 8, 12l behind Midnight Chase (11-12) at Folkestone 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
