tracked front pair, went 2nd before 5th, mistake 3 out, led going well between last 2, in command after, driven out flat
held up in rear, struggling 3 out, never a threat
not fluent 1st, made most, ridden and headed between last 2, soon no chance with winner, well held in 3rd approaching last
prominent, led briefly 2nd, tracked leader to before 5th, outpaced by clear pair 4 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on to chase winner approaching last, always held
AYE AYE CHARLIE is the most exposed over hurdles but can boast the strongest form with a fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree back in April and he was beaten only a neck at the same track on his reappearance. He’ll be sharper today and looks the one to beat with Bodacious Name next best having placed at Perth when last over hurdles and arriving in good form from the Flat having landed a double at Pontefract last month. Starozov will have benefited for a recent outing over 2m here and is preferred to Justadreamyeken of the remaining pair.
Aye Aye Charlie 4-9fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 7th, challenged 2 out, ridden to lead between last 2, kept on when hard pressed flat, headed narrowly towards finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Stoney Mountain (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Bodacious Name (IRE) 11-4 (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, pushed along and effort between horses entering final furlong, ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp (5) gs in Oct beating Royal Flag (9-4) by nk, 8 ran.
Justadreamyeken 12-1 (10-12) Led to 1st, remained prominent on outside, went left 3rd, lost place after 2 out, weakened before last, 6th of 7, 26 1/2l behind Noah And The Ark (11-4) at Kelso 2m (4) gd in Oct.
Starozov (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 9, 11 1/4l behind Goldencard (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn (4) gd in Oct.
