led to 6th, remained close up until weakened after 3 out
tracked leaders, led on bit approaching last, soon ridden, headed towards finish
tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed approaching last, one pace
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
towards rear, outpaced 4 out, rallied between last 2, stayed on strongly to lead towards finish
with leader, led 6th, headed 4 out, weakened between last 2
hit 1st, always behind
Emperor Charlie gets in on a potentially reasonable mark on his chasing bow and it would be no surprise to see him in the firing-line. Beneficial Reform also has first start over fences under Rules but has won between the flags and can't be ignored, while The Magic Bishop will be all the better for last month's run at Stratford. Et Maintenant and Fred Bojangles have won their share at this level but neither make much appeal at the weights today, unlike PRESENT TO YOU. With plenty of action in the west country lately, it must be significant that Devon trainer Polly Gundry has opted to send the former Philip Hobbs inmate to the opposite end of the country for his reappearance and he's very well treated on his hurdles form.
Et Maintenant (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 11th (water), lost place 14th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 4th of 9, well behind Sotovik (10-4) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in May.
Fred Bojangals (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 2nd of 7, 33l behind Altan Khan (11-6) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Sep.
Present To You (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) In rear, went poor 4th before 3 out, no impression, 4th of 6, 21l behind Gentleman Anshan (10-13) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in May.
Farmer Frank 17-2 (11-7) In rear early and keen, soon tracked leaders, chased winner after 4 out, kept on and no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 17l behind Persian Gates (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Sep.
The Magic Bishop 5-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, hit 8th, outpaced from 4 out, last of 6, well behind Farleigh House (11-4) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Sep.
Stagecoach Amber (USA) 12-1 (11-8) Prominent, led 8th, ridden after 3 out, headed approaching last, held towards finish, 3rd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Dusky Bob (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Sep.
Emperor Charlie 7-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, effort 2 out, soon every chance, stayed on same pace after last, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Quelle Chance (10-9) at Hexham 3m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Open de L'Isle (FR) 33-1 (11-2) Tracked winner early, lost place before 3rd, soon pushed along and struggling in rear, 8th of 12, well behind Reindeer Dippin (11-1) at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy in Feb.
Beneficial Reform (IRE) 15-8 (11-5) Tracked leader, left in lead after 5th, headed next, led approaching 3 out, headed before next, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Moorlands Jack (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in May.
