tracked leaders, outpaced 8th, soon in rear, plugged on from 2 out, no impression
towards rear, headway before 4 out, went 3rd before 3 out, led last, kept on well
tracked leader, ridden and in 3rd before last, soon weakened
tracked leaders in 4th, weakened before 4 out, tailed off and pulled up before last
in rear, fell 8th
led, ridden and headed last, one pace
A victory over course and distance two weeks ago will have done wonders for the confidence of Brother Scott but he'll need more to win this from 6lb out of the handicap. Skylander has won a point-to-point so the switch to chasing shouldn't faze the two-times hurdles winner, who arrives in good form. He may enjoy a fitness advantage over the unexposed Bonzo Bing. Mr Burgees has already won over fences, at Cartmel, but never looked like following up at Sedgefield last time. DROP A GEAR is a speculative selection as he's already shown ability over fences between the flags. He's been marking time over hurdles and should be seen in a better light now.
Bonzo Bing (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) In rear, struggling from 6 out, last of 4, dist behind Three Kingdoms (11-6) at Newcastle 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Skylander (IRE) 4-1fav (11-9) Mid-division, headway 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, ridden to challenge between last 2, led last, just held on, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating The Winking Prawn (10-13) by shd, 11 ran.
Mr Burgees (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) In touch in 4th, went 3rd before 2 out, ridden before last, soon weakened, 3rd of 5, 12l behind Heist (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gf in Sep.
Flash Crash 10-1 (11-0) Mid-division, 5th and ridden 3 out, went 4th before last, not trouble leaders, 4th of 10, 11 1/2l behind Samtu (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in Sep.
Drop A Gear (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) In rear, went 4th at 6th, ridden and outpaced 2 out, 4th of 5, 13 1/2l behind Welcome Ben (10-12) at Perth 2m 4f (4) gf in Sep.
Brother Scott 9-2fav (11-12) Held up in touch, took closer order approaching 3 out, ridden to challenge approaching last, soon every chance, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Sep beating Local Present (11-2) by nk, 6 ran.
