always prominent, ridden and switched left approaching last, went 2nd flat, stayed on same pace
held up towards rear, ridden 11th, badly hampered 12th, soon weakened
always prominent, led after 5th, headed approaching 9th, chased leader, not fluent 10th, led and not fluent last, soon ridden and hung right, stayed on under pressure
held up towards rear, behind when jumped slowly 11th
pressed leader, led 4th to 5th, lost place 7th, not fluent next, behind from 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up well in rear, left moderate 4th 2 out, hit last, never dangerous
held up in touch, not fluent 10th or 11th, 5th whe fell next
led to 4th, led again approaching 9th, ridden after 2 out, headed and hit last, soon hung right, weakened flat
held up in touch, jumped right 4th, mistake 5th, hit 13th, soon ridden, 4th and weakening when fell 2 out
BONCHESTER BRIDGE is tentatively preferred to Kalmo Bay and we'll also be keeping a close eye on Red Acres. Nicky Henderson's mare lost her way over fences and hurdles last season but it may be worth taking a chance that the break has reinvigorated her. She has had just the five starts over fences, winning once at Ludlow, and could have more to offer in this sphere. She's no more than fairly handicapped so will need to improve but not many of her rivals come into this contest in any great form. Kalmo Bay hasn't gone on as looked likely following his win at Musselburgh but this short of test should suit him ideally and his chance cannot be ignored. Et Maintenant enters calculations with the yard going well whilst Stance and Oso Magic used to have the ability to win this sort of race and aren't dismissed. Red Acres has a good deal to prove but is interesting on debut for Charlie Longsdon as the trainer is capable of producing one after an absence. He's only shown glimmers in a nine race career and the market should guide. Not an easy race to call, Bonchester Bridge is the suggestion.
Bonchester Bridge 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, outpaced 4 out, weakened next, 10th of 13, well behind Spirit Calling (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Apr.
Crossbarry Boy (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Towards rear for most, behind when pulled up before 2 out pulled up 3 out in race won by Mac Robin (9-8) at Clonmel 2m 4f hcp chs 0-109 gd in Sept, 16 ran.
Et Maintenant (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, ridden 9th, weakened next, 8th of 10, 44l behind Star of Germany (11-4) at N Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Aug.
Stance 20-1 (11-3) Not fluent, mistake 1st and 2nd, raced in 4th, jumped left 9th, lost touch next, last of 4, well behind dhtrs Free Gift (11-5) & Mr Boo (11-12) at Folkestone 2m 5f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Oct '07.
Oso Magic 6-1 (10-4) Held up, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 4th of 8, 12l behind Randwick Roar (11-6) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Feb.
Galero 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 5th, behind from 9th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Hold The Bid (11-11) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Mar, 6 ran.
Kalmo Bay (FR) 6-1 (11-7) Always in the rear, tailed off from 10th, 8th of 11, well behind De Soto (11-12) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
Abutilon 7-2jt-fav (11-2) Held up, headway after 12th, ridden to dispute 2nd when slipped on bend after 4 out, blundered 3 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Monzon (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Moment of Madness (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 4 out, no impression from next, 5th of 12, 13l behind Caliban (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Sept.
Red Acres (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Held up, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, chased leaders under pressure approaching 2 out, outpaced soon after, 4th of 6, 13l behind Vinmix De Bessy (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov chs (4) gf in Apr '07.
