prominent to 11th, soon weakened, behind and pulled before 4 out
chased leaders to 11th, soon weakened
chased leaders till weakened approaching 13th, soon behind
chased leaders, ridden from 8th, one paced from 4 out
held up, reminders approaching 6th, headway 10th, led 12th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened
led, headed 12th, weakened after 4 out
in touch, headway 11th, ridden approaching 13th, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden approaching 12th, soon beaten
held up in rear, headway approaching 12th, pressed winner approaching 3 out, soon ridden, every chance last, kept on
out paced in rear, always behind
in touch, headway approaching 11th, ridden after 4 out, weakening when blundered next
held up, mistake 4th, headway 11th, led after 3 out, mistake last, ran on well
A progressive performer in novice chase company last season, Paul Nicholls has been waiting for faster ground to unleash Cornish Gale and, with ground conditions to suit the son of Strong Gale, he might be worth chancing with his stable in form and capable of readying one first time out. Martin Pipe's Northern Starlight also has a long absence to overcome and L'Epicurien is the preferred runner of two from the stable. Needwood Lion has been running consistently well of late and has to be respected on ground that should not hinder him too much but the gelding may be in the grip of the handicapper now. John Best's Avalanche just got the better of Another Raleagh over course and distance last time and has to be respected off just an 8lb higher mark, as does Peccadillo who is only 3lbs higher than when scoring at Huntingdon earlier in the season, a race before which he ran loose for some time beforehand. Although slightly disappointing in two starts since, including over course and distance, he will come here fresher than most and looks the main danger to the topweight, who gets the vote.
